Summer Reading Program wraps up another year

Posted on August 4, 2016 by Westwind Weekly

By Jonathan Guignard

Guij26@gmail.com

A program designed to help kids in Magrath establish a love for reading, has wrapped up for the summer.

The Summer Reading Program at the Magrath Public Library had its final session last Thursday afternoon after a summer of fun filled events.

The program was created by TD Bank and takes place all over Canada.

It happens at libraries all over the country and is geared towards children gaining an interest in reading.

Coordinator, Sarah Hudson, has been helping out for years and sees the importance of a program like this in Magrath.

“It gives children the opportunity to come and engage with the library and to have fun. It’s something that sparks their imagination through reading and playing,” said Hudson.

The kids are of all ages and it’s important for each child to get something out of the program.

“We have to find books that will interest the children. We have an age range from one to 11 and you have to find ways to engage them with books, games and crafts,” said Hudson.

To make sure they’re successful in what they teach the children, they make sure the research has been done.

“There are online resources that help with that, but the biggest thing is listening to the kids and taking notes on what has happened before and just thinking about what the kids want and what they enjoy,” said Hudson.

This program is a great way for children to stay active during the summer and it gives them something to do.

“Summer can get really boring when you are kid. They have a lot of energy and a lot of creativity and they get bored in the summer,” said Hudson. “Having a program where they can come twice a week and exercise their imagination and play in a structured environment is great.”

Parent, Giuliana Anderson, has been bringing her children for five years and loves what they get out of it.

“They have a lot of fun. It motivates them to read, way more during the summer program than normally and it’s just a great time,” said Anderson.

Anderson really appreciates the people who run the program and has great things to say about them.

“They are very accommodating. I have children with allegories and they always make sure they keep that in mind. They are wonderful people and it’s a wonderful program,” said Anderson.

Another year has wrapped up and everybody seems to be looking forward to next summer and starting the fun all over again.