Summer is quickly approaching and with it comes the library district’s 2014 Summer Reading Program for all ages. “This year’s program will be one of the most exciting programs we have ever offered,” said director Annette Choszczyk. This year the program will focus on STEM — science, technology, engineering and math.
“Libraries are already community hubs for technology access, and STEM topics of all sorts are the newest areas for library promotion and programming across the country. This year’s Summer Reading program will give us a chance to showcase another side of literacy,” Choszczyk said.
For children and teens, weekly programs will feature making small robots, solar cooking, projects focused on electrical current, making homemade joysticks and so much more.
“Children and teens will be exposed to crazy science and be able to experiment with cutting-edge technology,” said program and outreach manager Di Herald. “This is applied literacy, literacy in motion. It will allow participants to read instructions and create, invent, and design their own concepts.
“The programs will be called ‘Fizz, Boom, Read’ and ‘Spark a Reaction’ respectively. We want everyone to have a lot of fun at the libraries and to enjoy reading all summer. The program will feature prizes for all readers.”
Adults will be introduced to STEM materials through lists of great reads and films they can enjoy. “We grew up on science fiction, and now many of those concepts have come to life in fiction, non-fiction, and film,” Choszczyk said. Participating in “Literary Elements,” adults are encouraged to read or listen to books on all sorts of topics, and can write reviews and enter drawings to win prizes.
Anyone wishing to participate in the Summer Reading Program can sign up online now, at www.deltalibraries.org, or at their local libraries after May 22. The program kicks off the first week of June.