March 19, 2008

Offerings Continue to Grow at Delaware County District Library

Top: The children’s department at the Delaware County District Library continues to “branch out” with new and exciting programs. Bottom: Looking for something specific? Pick up a “bundle” in the library’s children’s department. Books are organized by topics ranging from fairy tales to potty training.

Lots, says Connie Pottle, the library’s youth services coordinator. She organizes approximately six programs per week focused on youth literacy, ranging from readings and “fingerplays” for newborn babies and toddlers, to picture-book reading for children ages 4 to 6.

“Learning to read is like learning to play an instrument. It takes a lot of practice before you get good enough to enjoy it,” says Pottle, who emphasizes the importance of early literacy. “We try to make it as fun as possible and get them excited about reading.”

The library is also offering a 10-week series of bilingual family programs geared toward people who speak Spanish or English—a program created to coincide with the growing cultural diversity in Delaware County. The one-hour events—scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursdays through May 8—include stories, crafts, and activities for the entire family.

Each summer, the library kicks off its Summer Reading Club, which encourages children to sharpen their reading skills during time off from school. Participants who register with the library are given a reading log to keep track of their progress, and those who achieve 12 hours of reading—which is equivalent to 15 minutes of reading, six days per week—receive a free book from the library.

“It’s really important for kids to read during the summer, especially those in the kindergarten to third-grade range,” says Pottle, noting that studies suggest children who read 10 to 20 minutes per day can raise their reading level by up to one year. A total of 2,200 children from the Delaware, Ostrander, and Powell branches were involved in the Summer Reading Club last year.

Adults should not feel left out, as the library plans activities for all ages. Options include the Homebound Service, which brings library books and other materials to the homes of disabled individuals; and the Words on Wheels (WOW) Mobile, which travels to senior citizens’ centers and other facilities, such as child care centers. The services are offered free of charge.

Another initiative for adults is The Big Read – a program designed annually around a book chosen by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This year’s book is The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Kicking off April 13, the project will include an ice cream social, book discussions, and readings by local celebrities. Private book clubs in Delaware County interested in participating are eligible to receive complimentary copies of the book as well as reading guides. Call (740) 362-3861 for more information.

To check out a schedule of the Delaware County District Library’s upcoming events, visit www.delaware.lib.oh.us.  For questions specific to youth programs, contact Pottle at cpottle@delawarelibrary.org, and direct all general inquiries to the library’s communications manager, Shea Alltmont, at salltmont@delawarelibrary.org.

– Ann Marcum