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Making reading fun
(by Rick Palsgrove, Southeast Editor - March 01, 2010)
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| Messenger photo by Rick Palsgrove |
| Southeast Library Youth Services Manager Beth Muncy sits among some of the books used in the library's Storytime programs. |
A library is more than just shelves of books and rows of computers, it's a place where stories come alive.
With that in mind, the Southeast Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, 3980 S. Hamilton Road, offers many programs (see sidebar below) to get kids interested in books and to learn what the library is all about.
"Our goal is create library users for life, to get kids excited about and exposed to the library," said Beth Muncy, youth services manager at the Southeast Library. "We want to make kids library lovers and readers for life and help them learn how to build the community's future."
Muncy said the Storytime programs the Southeast Library offers help get younger kids ready to become readers and prepare for kindergarten.
"Storytime helps their vocabulary awareness and social skills," said Muncy. "It's a really great way to get out and have fun and learn."
The programs also help parents by giving them information on how they can nurture reading with their kids by teaching children: words, a love of books, how to use books, understanding narrative skills, awareness of sounds, and knowledge of the alphabet.
Muncy said the library looks for books for Storytime that are age appropriate and of interest to kids. She added the programs include reading as well as some singing and dancing. The kids are also encouraged to participate in the reading.
Programs for older kids often are tailored to tap into books that are currently popular, such as the "Harry Potter" books or "Twilight." There are also programs like "Teen Gaming," where teenagers find out how to work as a team in game design, learn together, and have fun using electronic and board games.
"All of our programs have a literary bent that ties everything back to books," said Muncy. "We try to make it fun."
Kim Snell, library media relations coordinator, said the library's programs strive to give kids the skills they need to succeed.
"Every subject in school requires a student be able to read and comprehend," said Snell. "Being literate helps a person become successful."
Programs at the Southeast Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, 3980 S. Hamilton Road, Columbus (for information call 645-2275):
Storytimes:
•Baby Laptime on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. for ages birth to 18 months and their caregivers with 20 minutes of rhymes, stories and songs, plus time for play.
•Toddler Storytime on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10 a.m. for ages 18 months to 3. Sessions are 20-30 minutes. Caregiver must stay in the room with the child.
•Preschool Storytime on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 11 a.m. for ages 3-6. Sessions are 30-35 minutes. Caregiver participation is welcome and encouraged.
•Family Storytime on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. & Saturdays at 11 a.m. for all ages. Sessions are 30-35 minutes. Caregiver participation is welcome and encouraged.
Programs:
•Seussabration! on March 6, at 2 p.m. Families can celebrate the wacky world of Dr. Seuss with stories, crafts, & games.
•Noisy Tales with the Noisyguy on March 11 at 2 p.m. Charlie the Noiseguy uses vocal sound imitations and high energy to animate his kid comedy show.
•Preschool Fair on March 20 from 1-3 p.m. Parents can learn about area preschool programs, learn about great books, and gain tips to help their child become ready to read.
•Teen Gaming on March 9 & 23 from 4-6 p.m. Teens can play their favorite group, Wii, and PS2 games.
•Homework Help Center, Monday through Thursday, 4-7 p.m.
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