TRI-LAKES AREA — The summer sizzler, the beach book and the book made for the long plane ride - these are the clichés for summer reading, but in actuality, most people don’t find a lot of time for books in the summer.
“It’s a challenge for the adults,” said Sarah Sewell, head of adult services for the Saline County Library. “So many households have both adults working, and they are so busy, a lot of people don’t read.”
Sewell said the 2012 Summer ReadingProgram being offered by the library will encourage all ages to read more and will include activities that draw them into the libraries in Bryant and Benton.
The goal for adults is to be able to take the time to read about an hour a day.
“We think most people can do that if they bring something to read with them at lunch and read at different times during the day,” Sewell said.
The adult reading program is called “Eat, Sleep, Read” and offers alternatives to theusual summer program of reading a large number of books.
This year, t he summer program is centered around a bingo-type card with squares that adults registered in the summer program will try to fill in each day.
“Alternatives can be reading a magazine or attending a library event,” said Krista Petty, public relations coordinator for the library. “There are lots of ways for someone to fill in a square.”
Adult programs include history lectures, computer classes and craft programs. There are also special events for all ages.
When players get five squares in a row, they get a prize. When three rows have been filled up, players will receive a T-shirt with the Eat, Sleep, Read logo. Those who fill their cards will win chances for the grand prizes. For the adults, that is a chance for an Apple iPad or a $100 gift card at Hastings Books and Music.
“For the final prize, contestants will have to be cardcarrier members of the Saline County Library and be in good standing,” Petty said. “That means no late fees.”
All ages can take part in the summer program. There are different programs for children, tweens, teens and adults.
No registration is required for teens, but others are invited to sign up for their respective programs at either of the two libraries in the county: the Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library in Benton or the Mabel Boswell Memorial Library in Bryant.
Registration for the program will open Friday and last through June 30.
The reading program kicks off with “Midsummer Night’s Dream” events for all ages. The kickoff events will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 9 at the library in Bryant and from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. June 11 at the library in Benton.
The theme of the classic Shakespearean tale was chosen to go along with the summer program’s theme of dreams and nighttime.
“We’re excited to k ick off another year of summer reading and can’t wait for patrons to experience the fun that goes along with it - allconveniently located at their local library,” said Jill Martin, head of children’s services for the Saline County Library.
The children’s program for infants to age 7 will include special events such as the Mr. Don Dream Big Magic Show, a program on the Little Rock Zoo and a Campfire Story Time.
“Parents are encouraged to read to their children at least five minutes a day,” Sewell said.
“To get a toddler to sit still for five minutes is enough to fill in the square on their bingo card.”
Like the adults, the children can win prizes such as T-shirts and chances for grand prizes of autographed books and dinosaur toys.
The tweens, from ages 8 to 12, can join the summer program of Dream Big Read.
The youngsters will be invited to look through the library’s online database, once called the card catalogue.
“If a reader likes fiction, they will be encouraged to check out nonfiction books and to explore music and movies,” said Marisa Frantz, a member of the library staff who will be working with tweens and teens.
Special events for the tweens include Late Night @ t heLibrary, Crayon Canvasses and Cupcake Decorating.
For teens, the summer program Own the Night will offer special programs such as a movie marathon, a video and board game extravaganza, and an all-night lock-in at the Benton library in July.
The lock-in on July 13 will include the latest Mission Impossible movie and an Iron Chef Competition in the library between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., Frantz said. Registration is required by July 6 for the lock-in.
Teens who participate in the program can also win T-shirts and a chance for three prizes: a $100 Visa gift card, a Nook and a netbook computer, she said.
The summer program will close on July 21 at the Benton library with a Star Wars Celebration for all ages that will include an opportunity to dress up as a favorite character in the saga.
There will also be members of the Star Garrison of the 501st Legion, a local group of Star Wars enthusiasts who dress up as characters from the films and often contribute to various charitable and volunteer organizations.
To sign up, visit either library, at 1800 Smithers Drive inBenton or at 201 Prickett Road in Bryant. For more information about the summer reading programs, call the libraries at (501) 778-4766 for Benton or (501) 847-2166 for Bryant, or visit www.saline.lib.ar.us.
Staff writer Wayne Bryan can be reached at (501) 244-4460 or wbryan@arkansasonline.com.
Tri-Lakes, Pages 53 on 05/31/2012