Keeping children involved in summertime activities might be easier than getting them to pick up a book or go to the library. The Haddonfield Library offers programs during the summer that keep children involved in educational activities, while making sure they are having fun.
According to children’s librarian Dorothy Peppard, the same number of story times are offered at the library with the addition of the summer reading program, drop-in story times and activities, as well as educational computer programs.
“We do what we can,” Peppard said, adding the size of the children’s library may be small, but the librarians try to make it as welcoming as possible.
As soon as parents and children walk down the steps from the main library and into the children’s library, they see shelves filled with books on the left and a computer station and a room filled with books, movies, DVDs and audio books.
Peppard said the computer station, or the Early Learning Center, is set up for children of all ages to enjoy educational activities. There are two computers parallel to Peppard’s desk and a few more that soon will have programs installed.
“We try to keep the library very welcoming,” she said.
Peppard said all activities, including the reading program, are meant to attract children to the library, and keep their minds going during the summer.
The library’s summer reading program, for children in preschool to eighth grade, is called “Dig into Reading.” Students read books and mark it on a summer reading sheet.
Preschool students’ parents read books to their child and record it at the library. The teen reading program, “Beneath the Surface,” is for students in grades eight to 12.
Children and teens must read six books before the end of summer to receive a prize.
Summer reading participants will join in an end of the summer party on Aug. 29, from 7 to 8 p.m. at Borough Hall.
The celebration will include refreshments, entertainment and more. Peppard said the Dino Dig themed party would also have an archeologist present showing off a fossilized head of a Tyrannosaurus Rex.
During the school year, children have to read assigned books. During the summer, they may receive assigned summer reading, but the library’s program is a way for children to explore their literary options and pick a book of choice.
“It’s their choice during the summer,“ Peppard said, adding the library also takes special requests from the children if they are unable to find a book.
Haddonfield resident Aimmee Powers said her daughter, Bella, is involved in the library StorySearch program — a program where children ages 9 to 12 read “Holes” by Louis Sachar at home and meet with a librarian to discuss the book.
She said they come to the library once per week during the summer, but when they go on vacation, she said she makes sure the kids stock up on books to read while away.
Bella Regina was sitting at the Early Learning Center while her mom, Lauren Regina, was ready to check out a few DVDs.
Lauren Regina said she takes her daughters, Bella and Bria, to the library once a week to rent books, movies and join in on story time activities.
Both Powers and Regina love taking their children to the library during the summer.
“It’s very valuable for kids to keep building literary skills,” Peppard said. “If they think the library is a fun place and feel comfortable and welcomed, they will take advantage of that.”
For more information about the library’s summer programs, visit www.haddonfieldlibrary.org or call 429–1304. The library is located at 60 Haddon Ave. and its summer hours are Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library is closed on Sundays.
