Super Star Part 2

Slater Library offers summer reading programs for children
BY MERJA LEHTINEN

ReminderNews 6/29/07

This summer, the Slater Library has an active schedule for children through its summer reading program, called “Get a Clue.” “Starting Monday [June 25] we will have some sort of a program every day for the children, whether they wish to read, take part in organized activities – such as playing games or drawing – it will all be set up,” said Children’s Librarian Kathy Choiniere.

On Saturday, June 23, children from the area were treated to a lesson in sign language. Bailey, Jakob, Katarina and Felicia from Griswold were joined by Bethany, Michael and Kristin from Lisbon. They carefully took turns giving answers to riddle-like “mystery” questions the moderator posed, going along with the “Get a Clue” theme of the summer.

The children learned how to sign words that related to meal time and later made a craft paper puppet. “Grilled cheese, pizza, turkey, Chinese food and French toast” were among the words children called out to describe favorite foods while learning some of the signs that had to do with eating.

Choiniere, who has been with the Slater Library for more than 20 years, said that there will be fun activities like this offered every day this summer at the library. She said that a few special programs are worth noting. Children are able to maintain their school skills by participating in the programs that Choiniere has carefully designed. The teachers are all volunteers who participate out of a love for the community, the children and reading.

So far, the children have enjoyed these lessons in signing, as well as a reading by local Norwich author and educator Susan Jones Hagenbach, who recently published “Until We Meet Again.”

Some programs begin at 10 a.m., while others start at 3 p.m., so it is best to check with the library before you plan to attend. So far, future scheduled events include:

Wed., June 27, 1 p.m.: Sense of Detectives – Sense of Hearing, for ages 3 through 9. Wed., July 11, 1 p.m.: Sense of Detectives – Sense of Touch, for ages 3 through 9. Wed. July 18, 1 p.m.: Sense of Detectives – Sense of Sight. Although the ages are recommended as 3 to 9, the library’s policy is usually that all ages and drop-ins are welcome. Parents are encouraged to stay with their children, especially as younger ones must be supervised by a family member. Friday, July 20: Pre-registration is required for the “Mad Science Forensics Program,” geared for children ages 7 to 11 and scheduled for 2 p.m. Wed., July 25: Sense of Detectives – Sense of Smell, for ages 3 to 9 will be begin at 1 p.m. Friday, July 27, 3 p.m.: The library is hosting a program called Sparky’s Puppets, “The Book Detective,” for ages 3 and up. Wed., Aug. 1, 1 p.m.: Sense Detectives – Sense of Taste program for ages 3 to 9.

The summer reading program wraps up on Saturday, Aug. 4.

For students in high school, items on reading lists for NFA, Norwich Tech and all the regional and local schools are available for review, reading and check-out.