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 Tarrytown, NY - The Westchester Library System (WLS) is getting ready to open the books on its annual Summer Reading Program, an opportunity for children to experience the joy of books and reading in each of the county’s 38 libraries.
Specially designed programming compliments this year’s themes, Be Creative @ Your Library for children and Express Yourself @ Your Library for teens, with a variety special programs and events.
Libraries throughout the country will kick off the 2009 Summer Reading Program by celebrating the arts and encouraging kids to tap into their creativity with special programs and resources to bring out the inner artist, performer, writer, musician, or poet. Group programs throughout the summer allow children to step into the world of books through events like song and dance programs, crafts sessions, and science and nature projects. More traditional library programs encourage participants to hear, read, or tell stories through storytelling programs, pajama story times, and weekend programs.
“The best thing about summer reading is that it is fun. Summer is a time to remind kids that reading can be an activity of choice,” says Judith Rovenger, WLS Youth Services Consultant. “With so many cool titles to choose from, kids can be assured that there is the perfect book for each and everyone. What is a perfect book? It’s the one you can’t put down and don’t want to end, but can’t wait to finish and find another one just like it.”
Youth services librarians will be available one-on-one to help guide participants to books that will interest them and share their favorite titles with eager summer readers. Adding to the joyous events are incentives, prizes, and certificates to inspire children and teens to include reading in their summer activities. Many riverfront libraries will also celebrate "Explore NY 400,” the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Celebration, as part of their summer reading programs.
Westchester children’s and teen librarians can’t wait to welcome readers to its fun-filled 2009 program. They hope to top last year’s success, when nearly 42,000 children and teens attended more than 3,000 programs and read over half a million books.
"The libraries in Westchester County can keep teens entertained and engaged all summer long with books, magazines, CDs, and DVDs that appeal to their age group,” says John Sexton, WLS Teen Consultant. “Summer provides the time for teens to explore and our libraries offer a world of discovery. It’s a perfect match."
WLS acknowledges the generous support of TD Bank and other summer reading program sponsors. TD Bank sponsored a 16-page Newspapers in Education supplement that was published by The Journal News and distributed to over a hundred schools throughout Westchester. Copies also will be available at libraries, TD Bank branches, various agencies, and online on The Journal News and WLS websites.
TD Bank also generously underwrote Books-to-Share, the Westchester children’s librarian picks for great summer reading. TD Bank is a supportive partner in its encouragement of bringing children and books together in Westchester libraries. Its support of summer reading allows Westchester libraries to reach out to children and families with free publications and recommended readings and to enjoy summer programming and reading throughout the year.
Programs typically begin in late June and continue through mid-to-late August. For additional information on the 2009 Summer Reading Program, including a calendar of events and programs, visit the WLS website or your local library.
About the Westchester Library System
The Westchester Library System (WLS) includes 38 member public libraries located throughout the County and is one of New York State's 23 public library systems. For more information, please visit www.westchesterlibraries.org.
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