Summer reading program kicks off Saturday

Starting Saturday, the Pleasanton Public Library is going back in time as it kicks off its annual summer reading program, this year titled “Quest of the Summer Knights,” drawing on a medieval fantasy theme. The program runs through Aug. 3 as a way to motivate students to keep reading during the summer. Opening day will be full of fun surprises as the staff spends the night before decorating the children’s department, making the library festive, said Sandy Silva, senior librarian in the children’s department.

“We really transform the children’s area so it’s an eye-opening, jaw-dropping experience,” Silva said. “We really try to transport them to the theme of the summer reading day.”

Students can start racking up their reading points tomorrow or at any time during the summer by picking up a pouch containing game instructions and a realm card, which records every time a student reads for 30 minutes, and a coat of arms card that shows what prizes students can earn. The fact that students are rewarded for the time they spend reading, rather than how many books they read, is a key part of the program that sets it apart from other libraries, Silva said.

“Some students take summer to read that fat book they don’t have time to do in the school year and, frankly, there are some children who might struggle with reading and we still want to reward their effort. Time spent reading is more significant than how many books a student can plow through,” Silva said.

Last year, more than 4,000 students took part in the library’s reading program, which was titled “2006 Summer Space Odyssey.” Part of the program’s success comes from the many activities and games associated with the summer program. The children’s desk staff starts planning the summer reading program months in advance, coming up with original activities that tie in with the theme.

“The games that we use are all developed in Pleasanton, all created by staff,” Silva said. “Hours and hours of energy and creativity are put into it.”

This year’s medieval fantasy theme was chosen because it ties in with popular themes in children’s literature.

“In publishing, there are just a slew of fantasy books,” Silva said. “It’s popular with kids at the moment and it lends itself well to decorating ideas. There are also a lot of history things to tie in.”

Reading programs like Pleasanton’s have become a staple in libraries across the country as a way to keep students interested in reading outside of school.

“The big reason we do this is to keep kids reading through the summer,” Silva said. “It’s well known that when kids don’t read during the summer they loose skills they had acquired, so time at the beginning of the school year is spent rebuilding those skills. If they keep reading, they won’t have that happen and may even become better readers, improving their vocabulary and comprehension.”

Beyond the educational benefits, Silva hopes the summer reading program also encourages students to see reading as a fun, recreational activity.

“We want them to find out that reading is fun,” Silva said. “There are so many things that compete for their time in terms of recreation, so we try to create an atmosphere where they see reading as pleasurable.”

Students from pre-school to ninth grade can take part in the reading program, but middle school students also have the chance to help run it. Every year the library recruits middle school-age students to be part of the Kid Power volunteer program, assisting children of all ages register and play the summer reading game. At the end of the summer, students who volunteered six hours or more are invited to a party.

“They are a tremendous help to us and it’s a great opportunity for them to learn some of the skills and characteristics required when they enter the job market,” Silva said.

Volunteer hours are flexible, but before starting students must attend one group orientation held in the library meeting room. Some orientations have already passed, but there are still three more left, scheduled 1 p.m. June 18, 4 p.m. June 20 and 11 a.m. June 27. Trainings last 90 minutes and no pre-registration is required.

To learn more about Kid Power or the reading program, as well as a schedule of events for activities during the summer, call the library’s children’s desk, 931-3400, ext. 8.