June 27, 2012

Library wants children to keep reading

By Kate Ruggles
Farmer Staff Writer

Attention kids! The McKenzie County Public Library has a message for you - keep reading.
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean that you can’t read. In fact, reading for leisure can be twice as nice during the summer months. It can be a good way to relax and spend time with family, especially since no homework is involved.
That is why the library is encouraging children to take time to read between June 11 and July 31 through its summer reading program.
“There is a different theme every year,” states Judy Murie, who has been a library employee for 29 years. “This year’s theme is ‘Dream Big. READ!’”
As an incentive for kids to read, the library is offering different prizes each week for the kids that participate.
“The kids can read as many books as they want, but they must read at least one book a week,” Murie states.
As part of the summer reading program, book bags, bookmarks, stickers, rings, tattoos, posters and pencils are given to the kids as prizes.
And according to Murie, “The biggest incentive of all is the drawing at the end for a $50 savings bond.”
To qualify for the drawing, kids have to sign up at the library and come in at least three times between now and July 31.
“When the kids come in, we have a poster that they put their names on,” states Murie. “Every time they come in to participate, they are given a sticker to put next to their name. Once their name has three stickers, they are eligible for the drawing.
The library has found within the last year that a lot of new families and children are making use of their facility and services.
“Sometimes families are just here for the summer, to spend time with their husbands who are working out here. They often come to the library to read or check out books,” Murie states.
In fact, last year the library had 100 children participate in the summer reading program, which was many more than was expected.
“We ran out of materials because we didn’t have enough, so this year we have enough prizes for 125 children to be able to participate,” Murie states.
The library is also sponsoring a coloring contest for area kids.
“They just need to come in and take home a coloring sheet,” Murie states. “When they bring it back, the library gives them a $2 bill and hangs their picture up.”
More than anything, Murie loves seeing the enjoyment on the kids faces when they come in to collect their prizes.
There is still time to sign up for the program and children ages pre-K through going into the seventh grade can participate. For more information, call the McKenzie County Public Library at 701-444-3785.

WATFORD CITY WEATHER