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(Note: Carver County Library branch managers are providing updates on programs and services for Carver County Local News. This month, Chanhassen and Victoria location manager Patrick Jones shares information on upcoming summer programs. Check the library Events Calendar for more details about dozens of options).
Carver County Library’s annual Summer Reading Program ended on Aug. 8 after a successful 10 weeks of engagement, entertainment and encouraging reading.
Kristin, the youth services librarian at Victoria, noted how a new model enhanced “the effectiveness of the summer reading program, as we shifted the focus from incentive-based prizes to core literacy development. Recognizing the ongoing challenge of the summer slide, our primary objective was to maximize children’s access to books and encourage sustained reading habits while fostering a lifelong love of reading.”
Using a reading tracker, kids documented their reading and engaged in other fun reading activities. They turned in the completed tracker to earn a free book purchased from Library Foundation and Friends of the Library funding.
But the summer reading program is also about getting kids involved in library activities. Every year the library hosts performers or presenters. This summer saw the return of Bill the Juggler and the magician Brodini, plus the new Snake Discovery show. All three performed in front of overflow crowds.
Laura, the youth services librarian at Chaska, commented how these events “introduce our youngest patrons to new skills and background knowledge that they probably wouldn’t otherwise receive. Every one of them drove home the message that they learned what they know from reading.”
These performers served as an excellent complement to regular story times and monthly super story times that feature a craft.
While these events drew big crowds, the library also offered high-touch programs to maximize engagement.
According to Heather, the youth services librarian at Chanhassen, these “hands-on enrichment opportunities are a big part of the summer reading program as we know they are a sure-fire way to engage and inspire curiosity. We have both educator-led, curriculum-based workshops from places like The Works, as well as our own open-ended drop-in programs where kids can explore various building systems utilizing STEM kits the Youth Services team share between the branches. Once that curiosity is piqued by these hands-on programs, kids are in just the right place to discover more — with a great selection of interesting books to keep them learning.”
In addition to STEM programs at Chanhassen, successful arts programs, like a Pokémon workshop at Victoria and craft programs for tweens at Chaska also engaged kids.
Taken together, this focus on enhanced literacy, entertaining performers and engagement workshops demonstrated Carver County Library’s commitment to summer learning.
