The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library kicked off its annual Summer Reading program Wednesday. The event encourages children to continue their reading while on summer break.
The library system is promoting free summer reading with activities and games at its 37 sites. Library Director Mary Jean Jakubowski says the library works to reach as many children as possible who are living in the most impoverished neighborhoods of the city.
"Our staff spends a lot of time going out into those communities. We make ourselves available, whether it be to community groups in the neighborhoods. We have staff that actually go into the neighborhoods and read to kids," said Jakubowski.
Programs, activities and games will be held all summer to entice children across the city to read. This year's theme is Every Hero has a story.
"Parents, we know, are looking for things for their kids to do throughout the summer months," said Jakubowski.
The library noted that last summer children read more than 10,000 books, clocking in more than one million minutes of reading time.
Young students from Buffalo's Bennett Park Montessori School participated in Wednesday's summer reading kick-off. They were entertained by The Hills Brothers in the 'Ring of Knowledge', performing songs about reading.
The Hills Brothers also sang an original song 'Borrow a Book'.
WBFO's Eileen Buckley talked with a young student from Buffalo's Bennett Park Montessori School who was at the Central Library for Wednesday's kickoff.
"Why do you like to read?," Buckley asked. "Because it's fun," responded the child, who said her favorite books to read are about princes.
Last summer local children read more than 10,000 books during the program. This year's theme is "Every Hero Has a Story."
Here are some of the highlights of this year’s “Every Hero Has A Story” initiative include:
- Reading Logs, Reading Competitions and Great Prizes- Register at your local library, and have children track their summer reads. Incentives and prizes are provided when predetermined milestones (number of books read) are reached.
- Summer Online Reading Challenge- Adults and teens: read a book, write a short review and post it to the Library’s online contest website to win some terrific prizes. One lucky participant will win a Kindle Fire 7 inch tablet Reader. The adult reading challenge is themed “Escape the Ordinary.” The teen challenge is called “Unmask” and the early literacy children’s initiative falls under the “Every Hero Has A Story” program. Summer camps can participate as well.
- Library Night at the Races - For the third year, Library Night at the Races takes place at Holland Speedway. Saturday, August 22 is the big night. Children read two books and earn a free pass. Libraries will also have discount coupons for adults to attend.
- Read Down Your Fines gives children ages 16 and under an opportunity to pay down overdue library fines through reading. For every 15 minutes of reading, a child can earn one Library Buck toward reducing or eliminating overdue fines. All local libraries will be running the program through September 5. Last year, 669 young readers participated, eliminating $ 4,923. in library fines.
- Battle of the Books – All readers are winners in the annual Battle of the Books on Saturday, August 1 in the Gymnasium of Erie Community College – South Campus. This popular summertime team trivia competition is for youth entering grades six through nine. Currently there are 32 teams with a total of 225 participants. Are you interested in joining a team? Head to your local Library to learn more. All team members read the same five books as they prepare for trivia questions about those books while vying for the coveted Battle title and trophy. It’s fun! It’s loud! It’s a GREAT summer activity! For the second consecutive year, in 2014, Clarence Public Library took the gold medal competing against 29 local library teams in a fast-paced lightning round before 500+ fans.
- Canalside - Every Tuesday through September 1, the Library will be at Buffalo’s Canalside for “Every Hero Has A Story” super storytelling and craft programs from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. This year we are located in the Buffalo News Reading Center at Washington and Scott Streets.
- Reading Journal from Barnes & Noble – Young readers who finish eight books and log their efforts on the Reading Journal receive a free book from a local Barnes & Noble store.