Local Library Offers Diverse Summer Reading Program

School may be out for the next two months, but did you know that your child can continue to learn and read while also having... fun?

Oh, yes. It's true.

Public libraries across the country, including the , are currently holding summer reading programs under the theme "One World, Many Stories."

This national theme, which aims to explore multicultural themes through diverse reading material, was set by the Collaborative Summer Library Program.

According to www.cslpreads.org, CSLP is "a grassroots consortium of states working together to provide high-quality summer reading program materials for children at the lowest cost possible for their public libraries."

The summer program at the Nazareth Memorial Library began June 13; however, it’s not too late for yet-to-be registered children to take advantage of upcoming programs, events and incentives.

"One World, Many Stories" is open to children ages 2 to 17 who live in Nazareth, Lower Nazareth, Upper Nazareth or Bushkill, and will run until Aug. 6.

Before we get to the events and programs, we suggest your child create a reading list as soon as possible in order to take part in the library's book challenge.

"The earlier you sign up, the better," according to Catherine Stewart, the children’s librarian and the assistant director of the local library.

“The more books you read, the better the rewards are,” Stewart added. 

Every child has the chance to earn rewards based on the number of books read, as long as the books are appropriate for age and reading level. 

Available on the library’s website, www.nazarethlibrary.org, is an extensive list of books for children and teens. Each book is given a set of codes, which tells what reading level the book falls under and where the book can be found in the library's stacks.

For Example:

• "J Easy" -- picture books for the youngest age level
• "J" -- early chapter books for juveniles
• "Y" -- books aimed at teens or young adults

In addition to the book challenge, weekly events and activities will be held throughout July, all relating to the “One World, Many Stories” theme, including:

1. "Reading With the Pups"

• "Reading With the Pups" will be at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday in July, and is open to children in first grade and up. For 15 minutes per child, certified therapy dogs will sit and listen intently while the child reads aloud to them.
  
  “This is the first time we’re having dogs here,” according to Lynn Snodgrass-Pilla, the library's director. “We’re very excited to be trying [the 'Reading With the Pups' program].”

2. "Literary Lunches"

• "Literary Lunches" will be at noon every Tuesday starting July 12, and are open to teens 13 to 17.
  
  In addition to lunch, which the library will provide, the teens will hold a discussion that focuses on a different teen-oriented book.
  
  “[Literary Lunches] usually last about an hour, depending on how much they talk… and how fast they eat pizza,” joked Snodgrass-Pilla, who later added that the food provided at each luncheon will be different, keeping with the diverse theme of the reading program.

3. "Music with Jesse Rivera"

• "Music with Jesse Rivera" will be at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20.
  
  “[Rivera] is a folk musician who [performs] songs from Latin and Central America,” explained Stewart. “He’s been to other libraries and we’ve heard favorable things. We’re looking forward to him coming.”

4. "Go Crafting Around the World"

• "Go Crafting Around the World" will be at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27, and is open to both the children and their families.
  
  The program will feature hands-on arts and crafts in addition to stories that explore different cultures.

Sign-ups for each event will open one week in advance, and those wishing to attend must sign up in person at the library.

According to Stewart, the events held during the library's summer reading program have been known to fill up fast -- within one day -- so it's important not to procrastinate!

The Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity is at 295 E. Center St. The library's summer hours are: Monday and Friday, 10am to 5pm; Tuesday through Thursday, 10am to 8pm; Saturday, 10am to 2pm. The library is closed Sunday.

The library is a shared resource by Nazareth, Upper Nazareth, Lower Nazareth and Bushkill. The summer reading program is open to children 2 to 17 who reside in the borough or three townships.

Each child must also have a library card to participate. To get one, stop by the library's circulation desk with proof of address. Within two minutes, your child will have a library card.

For more information, visit www.nazarethlibrary.org, or call (610) 759-4932.