Crowds are flocking to the Pleasanton Public Library this summer to beat the heat and get some summer reading done.
“Today there has been a lot of adult use; people reading and on the computers,” said City Librarian Julie Farnsworth, noticing the influx of people coming in due to the recent hot spell.
Yet, Farnsworth could not wait to mention the excitement occurring at the library concerning the crowds of kids.
“We are just about to tie our all-time record for the registration for the children’s summer reading program,” Farnsworth said. “Four thousand are currently enrolled.”
Sandy Silva, head of the library’s children’s department, said the program has had great turnout.
“We always try to pick a theme that’s gender neutral for boys and girls, young and old,” Silva said of the theme, “2006 Summer Space Odyssey.”
“This year’s space theme really resonated with kids,” she added. The children’s department at the library, along with support from the surrounding elementary school libraries, publicized to about four different schools which helped to get the word out to kids and families.
Every year the library hosts the reading program where children sign up and win prizes for the amount of time they spend reading, rather than the how many books they read, allowing them to participate at their own pace. All children that are involved are encouraged to read whatever they want so that they continue reading throughout the summer. The goal is for children to think reading is fun. In keeping with the program’s space theme, department produced a book list of titles that include a variety of space-related books.
As part of the reading program, the library also hosts children’s events that tie in with the theme. One upcoming event is the “Robots at the Library” day on Aug. 3 beginning at 2 p.m. The Harvest Park Middle School Robotics Club will showcase its Lego models that resemble the rovers on Mars, setting up obstacle courses at the library. Come 30 minutes early to get free tickets and good seats for the production.
The summer reading program comes to an end Aug. 5, but that doesn’t mean programs will stop at the library. Be sure to keep an eye out for numerous library events in the fall. After all, there are still plenty of things to do at the library even when the weather cools down.
