First Posted: 8/20/2013
The summer is ending and a new school year is beginning. All of the public libraries across Robeson County enjoyed the excited faces of children and teens throughout our summer reading programs.
During the six-week reading programs, which began on June 24, 85 children’s programs were hosted at seven Robeson County Public Libraries and the Proctorville Public Library. More than 2,800 people enjoyed stories, games, movies and crafts at these programs. Special programs included “Dinosaur Discovery” presented by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, “Critters that Dig” by the Lumber River Park Rangers and “Global Stories” by Blue Moon Puppets.
I am thrilled to report that 583 children registered for the reading program, which skyrocketed from last summer’s 279 registrations. Children were challenged to read at least 10 hours this summer. I’m so proud of the 145 children who reached this goal.
The library hosted 19 teen programs, which boasted a total attendance of 320 people. An impressive 113 teens registered for the reading program across the county. This is increased from the 68 teens last summer. Teens were also challenged to read at least 10 hours and 55 participants hit the mark.
Including the children’s and teen programs, the library hosted a total of 104 summer programs during the six weeks, which were attended by 3,162 people. Last year’s 74 summer programs were spaced out over an eight-week period and 1,910 people attended. This summer, a total of 200 reading logs were complete compared with last year’s 53 logs. There were 696 registered participants this summer and last summer there were only 347 registered youths.
The summer reading programs are possible because I have supportive co-workers who work hard to ensure that children and teens have the best possible library experience. Library staff members helped children register, passed out prizes, spread the word about events and answered everyone’s questions about summer reading.
An exciting lineup of fall library programs is available. A monthly signature event is planned to keep kids interested in the library throughout the school year. The first signature event is the Pirate Party on Sept. 19 at 4 p.m. in the Osterneck Auditorium. Children ages 3 to 12 are invited to enjoy pirate themed games and crafts. There are 50 spaces available and guests must register in advance. Children may register beginning Sept. 5.
Preschool story-times will be offered weekly from Sept. 9 to Nov. 27 at the following locations and times: Mondays in Pembroke at 10 a.m.; Tuesdays in St. Pauls and Red Springs, both at 11 a.m.; Wednesdays in Maxton at 11 a.m.; and Fridays in Lumberton at 10 a.m. Preschool storytimes are open to 3- to 5-year-olds and their parent or caregiver. Space is limited. Groups of 10 or more must make arrangements by calling me, Katie Huneycutt, at 910-738-4859.
I am excited to announce that the new Baby Bookworms class will begin on Sept. 10 at 9 a.m. Baby Bookworms will be held every Tuesday at 9 a.m. in the Children’s Library in Lumberton for about 30 minutes. Babies will explore their new big world through wiggles, giggles and stories. Babies must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. The class is for children ages 2 years and younger. Registration is not required but the weekly group size will be limited to 15.
Katie Huneycutt is the youth services librarian of Robeson County Public Library. You may contact her at [email protected] or by calling 910-738-4859.
