Summer Reading programs to start June 27
GREATER WESTFIELD – As the coronavirus pandemic shows no signs of slowing as the days tick away, librarians in Southwick and Westfield are anticipating that readers of all ages will be eager to explore a wide variety of worlds beyond their home through a summer reading program.
“Librarians look forward to this program every year because it’s fun,” said Heather Paparella, young adult specialist at the Southwick Public Library. “We love to see new and familiar faces over the summer who may not make it into the library as often during the school year. It’s also rewarding to support both academic reading for the school system, and reading for pure enjoyment.”
Olivia Eberli, youth services and young adult librarian at the Westfield Athenaeum, shared a similar sentiment.
“During this difficult time, I feel that there is nothing better than reading a good book,” said Eberli. “It can transport you to a whole new world. And I think that is something people need right now. Plus you can win prizes just for reading. I don’t think it gets any better than that.”
Olivia Eberli, youth services and young adult librarian at the Westfield Athenaeum, holds a Boston Bruins jersey signed by Captain Zdeno Chára which is among the many prizes to be won during this summer’s reading program. (WESTFIELD ATHENAEUM PHOTO)
The theme of this summer’s reading program for both libraries is “Imagine Your Story,” and will feature fairy tales, folklore, mythology and fantasy stories.
The summer reading program is planned from June 27 through Aug. 7 with pre-registration beginning June 22. Both libraries are using Beanstack this summer to implement their respective programs. Beanstack is an online service that allows librarians to create reading challenges.
For Southwick participants, visit southwickma.beanstack.org to get started as well as view events and activities planned, and in Westfield, visit westath.beanstack.org or download the app “Beanstack Tracker” and search for the Westfield Athenaeum.
“This is the first time we’ve used Beanstack, and this online program is perfectly timed for these uncertain times,” said Gretchen Hohmeyer, youth services librarian, Westfield Athenaeum. “The entire family can participate in a cohesive summer reading program that is not entirely dependent on the physical library space. The ease of access – and lack of paper to lose – helps make this program easy and stress-free.”
Hohmeyer added that all programming is also mindful of the changing times and flexible for any eventuality.
“The Westfield Athenaeum librarians are committed to pulling off a unique summer reading for everyone,” said Hohmeyer.
Paparella echoed that sentiment.
“The summer reading program helps children foster positive attitudes about reading, books, and the library,” said Paparella. “The encouragement the reading program provides also helps children keep their reading skills and reduce the impact of the ‘summer slide.’”
Southwick Public Library director Lynn Blair and Heather Paparella, young adult specialist, encourage town residents to participate in the “Imagine Your Story” summer reading program. (SOUTHWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY PHOTO)
Paparella said that philosophy is also true for teens.
“Teens are at an age when they are considering paths to employment, where higher levels of literacy are needed for post-high school education and careers,” said Paparella. “By participating in the program, teens will also keep their reading comprehension skills up for standardized testing often considered in admissions decisions.”
Adults are also encouraged to join the fun – and challenges – that librarians have in place to keep one’s interest for six weeks.
“For all adults, participating in the summer reading program is a great way to stay active and involved in the community, and have fun as a lifelong learner,” said Paparella. “For parents especially who participate in a summer reading program, your children are more likely to develop a positive relationship with reading if they see you reading too.”
Hohmeyer concurred.
“Summer reading is the highlight of any librarian’s calendar,” said Hohmeyer. “This year, especially, I’m looking forward to all the unique ways that we can connect patrons across books and programming. This year requires some incredibly out-of-the-box thinking, and we’ve come up with some exciting stuff we might not have thought of otherwise.”
As in past years, meeting reading challenges also means having a chance to win prizes. For Athenaeum readers, prizes will range from gift cards, games and toys to a Boston Bruins jersey signed by Captain Zdeno Chára.
“Children, teens and adults will each have their own challenge complete with awesome prizes,” said Eberli, adding, “We are also challenging Westfield residents to read 70,000 minutes collectively.”
Eberli said everyone who participates is encouraged to try and read at least 20 minutes a day.
“If you want to read more, great,” she said. “If you didn’t get to 20 minutes that day, that’s great too. As long as you are reading, we are happy.”
In Southwick, Paparella said businesses in town are “very supportive” in providing a range of items to win during the summer reading program, and this year prizes will range from gift cards and theater tickets to a science experiment kit, outdoor sports basket and a rock painting kit.
For all participants, logging in reading hours can begin June 27.
“For every hour you read, you receive a chance into the raffle,” said Lynn Blair, director, Southwick Public Library, adding children and teens may submit up to five hours per week, and also earn additional chances by participating in events and weekly challenges.
“Summer reading is for adults too,” said Blair, adding, “we know you love reading (and prizes) too. For every book review you fill out, you get one entry into the weekly raffle.”
Southwick adults who complete the weekly challenge/activity will also receive one extra entry.
“If you fill out a bingo card, you’ll get three entries into the raffle,” said Blair, who is coordinating the adult summer reading program, while Paparella is overseeing the teen summer reading program, and Page Phillips, the children’s librarian, is in charge of the children’s program.
Paparella added that virtual and distance events will be ongoing to keep the fun flowing all summer.
Eberli said in addition to the summer reading challenge, several virtual events for all age groups is also planned by Athenaeum staff. While Eberli is coordinating logistics for the teen and adult summer reading challenge, Patti Brose, Gretchen Hohmeyer, and library assistants Mary Regan and Nina Stromgren, are all working on the children’s part of the challenge.
“Some events include trivia, book groups, scavenger hunts, and more,” said Eberli.
Brose, who serves as youth services librarian, said the summer reading program will bring a “sense of normalcy” to patrons during this unique time.
“Reading is always a great way to escape from day-to-day activities and stress and can actually bring families closer together,” said Brose. “I look forward to the summer reading program because it is a way to highlight the theme, Imagine Your Story, in fun and free programming that is available to everyone regardless of age and reading ability.”
For complete details on each library’s offerings, visit its respective websites and Facebook pages.
