The Hampton B. Allen library kicked off its summer reading event with three programs for children, teens and adults.
The theme, “Libraries Rock!,” combines education with music, when applicable, to keep all age groups excited about reading over the summer.
A partial reason why Roxie Ingo, librarian and children’s programming coordinator, invited Pee Dee Electric to come and talk with the children: “Because it’s electric, boogie woogie woogie!,” she sang with a laugh.
But to also inform children and their parents on what’s available to them in the community while keeping them engaged on the importance of reading.
“The whole thing about summer reading is to get them reading during the summer so that they don’t hit the ‘summer slump’ between the school years and lose anything,” she said.
The children learned about the importance of being safe when near electricity and ventured outside to control the boom pole of the digger-derrick truck with a joystick.
Dayna Faw, mother of two, said she enjoyed how interactive the presentation was for the kids.
“I thought it was fun that they were able to do the hands-on touching to get their curiosity going,” she said. “It was great.”
Her kids Nate and Troy Faw also enjoyed seeing the truck but kept their answers short as to why they liked it. But when it came to reading, Troy had a little more to say.
“I like to listen to people read but I just don’t like to read and I don’t know how,” he said. “But I like to play with my video games.”
When his mom said they were going to practice their reading, his little brother was quick to answer, “No.”
And while the children played outside with the truck, the teens and adults enjoyed their respective programming indoors by watching anime music videos and listening to a geology presentation.
Library Director Aaron Mehaffey said he was excited to show the teens what he’s grown up reading.
“I’ve always been a huge proponent for comics and manga,” he said. “There are comics now for every genre and every taste.”
Aimee Colf, horticulture and forestry agent of Anson County, also shared her excitement on educating the adults on what she’s passionate about.
“I was glad to see that they learned some tools that they can take home and apply to their own soils and gardens and things like that,” she said.
And while the adults got to enjoy some hands-on activities like soil bingo and shaking water bottles filled with sand and clay, the fan favorite was the dirt cups — made with chocolate pudding, graham crackers, mint oreos, and gummy worms.
Earl Richardson rated his experience a four out of five.
“I definitely enjoying making the dirt cup,” he said. “That was very educational”
A similar experience of Pat Greiger’s.
“I enjoyed eating my project,” he said.
For more information on how to log reading minutes for a chance to win Visa gift cards, visit the library’s website www.srls.readsquared.com.
