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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
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Read, Renew, Repeat: Summer reading becomes restorative
WILLIAMSBURG — Summer reading isn’t just about reading this year.
Read, Renew, Repeat, a program created by the State Library of Iowa, encourages reading as a restorative method of self-improvement and self-preservation.
The summer reading program gives points for reading, but it also rewards children for activities, such as attending library programs or taking walks outdoors.
Williamsburg Public Library has teamed up with a couple of local businesses for library programs this summer, said Library Director Brianna White.
Bloom provided yoga in the park Friday and will return Friday, July 5 for more yoga in the park at 1 p.m.
Molly Bishop from Navigation Play will show children how to make works of art using recycled materials Friday, June 21 at 1 p.m.
The library has also asked Iowa State University to bring its bug zoo to the library. Children can see bugs and insects close up at 1 p.m. Friday, June 28.
“It seems to be one of the more popular ones,” said White.
Art educator Beriet Moffitt will teach children how to make bird houses out of recycle material Saturday, July 12. Sign-up is required for that event.
“And then we have a lot of day-to-day activities,” said White.
Every Tuesday is treats day from 10-11 a.m. Every Wednesday, the library will host story time at the city park at 10:30 a.m. with guest readers from the community. Afterward, children will help Master Gardeners water the plants in the park.
Take-home kits are available on Thursdays.
Adults are invited to take part in the summer reading program too, said White. She has book logs for adults as well as for children.
Anyone who turns in a log every week gets a pool pass at the end of the program, White said. They’ll also have their names entered for raffle prizes.
Last year the summer reading program counted minutes, but this year it asks participants to read and rate books.
It’s not to late to sign up, said White. The summer reading program doesn’t end until July 19. All logs must be turned in by 2 p.m. that day.
“I think we’re at 100 right now,” said White. She usually tries to sign up 150 children and had some logs still waiting to be picked up last week.
“Fifty adult logs have been taken,” said White, but she’s not sure how many will be returned. Between working and taking care of their families, not everyone has time to read, she said.
The library is starting a new adult program June 25, said White. A silent book club will meet at 5:30 p.m. It’s a “no pressure” book club, according to the flyer.
Books are not selected by someone else and there are no deadlines to meet. Clubbers simply bring what they are currently reading and share their thoughts about those books with others in the club.
White hopes to continue the silent book club when summer reading ends.
The library will continue to have its regular book club which will meet again July 1 at 6:30 p.m. to discus July’s book selection, “The Ride of her Life,” by Elizabeth Letts.
