Summer Reading Program Shatters Records
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July 28, 2010, at 06:00 AM
Storytime
Bellevue Public Library
Summer readers at Bellevue Public Library didn't just make a splash, it was more like a tsunami. Children's Librarian Alice Boeckman said 1,330 youth from toddlers through 6th grade signed up for the 2010 summer program, around 200 more than normal.
“It's probably been one of my most rewarding summers,” Boeckman said as she prepared for the program's finale – a pool party for participants who read at least 10 hours by Jul. 22. “We've seen so many families come and day cares have brought kids, I just feel like we've provided a very valuable service. It's been great, just great.”
Boeckman, her assistant Tammy Henry, and a host of youth volunteers helped organize summer programs, sometimes two or three a day that included story times, themed parties, marsh walks, an overnight campout on the library lawn, a singalong and talent show. The Fancy Nancy party, an afternoon of dress-up, French lessons, story time and cookie frosting, was one of the best attended with over 220 people walking in the doors. Another program, a tour of Bellevue's Fire Station #4, drew more than 150 kids.
“We tried to develop programs that hit different interests, different age groups and evening programs for folks working during the day,” Boeckman said. She attributed the sharp rise in attendance to a stepped-up advertising effort, including trips to a variety of elementary schools in the spring, and the summer's water theme – a natural for both hot and rainy weather.
“We even did a storytime about snow and then served snow cones afterward,” she said.
The last day to turn in reading sheets and earn prizes or rewards for the 2010 Make a Splash Summer Reading program in Bellevue is Jul. 30 at 5 p.m.
To publicize your record-breaking event, contact the writer at sarpy@metroneighborhoodnews.com.
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