The Williams Lake Branch of the Cariboo Regional Library is looking for some children to take a Walk on the Wild Side as part of the summer reading club.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Kaylee Weil, the summer reading club co-ordinator. “I’m really looking forward to interacting with the kids, as I think they’ll really love the program.”
Weil, who just completed her first year of nursing at UNBC and NCNP, was herself a summer reading club participant as a child and said being a part of a reading club in the summer months helps children maintain or improve their reading skills through regular reading, gives them a reason to go to the library and also offers the opportunity for children to be with others their age in a social setting.
The summer reading program is free of charge for children ages three to 12 and starts July 4. Registration begins June 13.
Children receive a reading record to help keep track of their summer reading fun and, if they complete the program, they’ll be awarded a medal at the end of the summer.
When they join the BC Summer Reading Club, Weil said children are encouraged to read whatever they wish in whatever language they feel most comfortable. They can also listen to someone else read or tell stories.
The Summer Reading Club offers 11, one hour to one and a half hour sessions over the summer depending on the participant’s age, with 15 minutes of reading encouraged daily. Weil said she gets to choose the book selections on offer and will organize crafts, games and read stories based on this year’s theme during the weekly sessions which is focused on nature and wildlife.
Pre-registration is required and children six years of age or younger must have an adult stay with them.
Weil said the summer reading club is also looking for volunteers, 12 years of age or older to assist with the program. Volunteer duties include working with and helping to supervise children, as well as do crafts, games, and read stories, help set up and clean up before and after sessions, help prepare crafts and activities before sessions and help plan and supervise the club’s year-end party.
Weil said for high school students, volunteer attendance can be recorded and count towards their volunteer hours for graduation.
“If you are interested in working as a volunteer, fill out a volunteer form available at the library desk or email wlsrcordinator@cariboord.bc.ca to have one sent to you.”
For more information on the reading club, stop by the library in person or visit the BC Summer Reading Club Kids’ website at www.bcsrc.ca.