Summer reading program recapped
Published 2:49 am Friday, September 12, 2003
By By JOHN EBY / Cassopolis Vigilant
CASSOPOLIS -- "Reading -- Naturally" was the theme for Cass District Library's June 7-Aug. 9 summer program.
"When they signed up they were given a bag that had calendars in it. We had two divisions, children and young adults. Each day they were told to mark on their calendar how long they spent reading. For every hour in the children's section they were given a prize."
Library Director Dr. M.E. Harper showed around a shoebox containing an assortment of prizes, such as magnifying bug boxes, pencils with animal erasers, rubber snakes and frogs, nature activity books and clickers.
Young adults received food coupon prizes given by a lengthy list of sponsors.
The library's partners included Curious Kids Museum of St. Joseph, Southwestern Michigan College Museum of Dowagiac, Cass County Conservation District of Cassopolis, Amy's Amazin' Artwork by Amy Accoe of the circulation staff, Cass County Parks Department, Sarett Nature Center of Benton Harbor and the Banana Slug String Band.
The first program was Curious Kids' traveling exhibit on tropical rain forests. It featured hands-on learning and face painting.
The second program, at the SMC Museum, divided into stations for air, water, sunshine, soil and energy.
The Conservation District put on the third program. Mike Stickle's exposure to groundwater conservation offered an "edible earth aquifer," Kresl said. "It's Gummy Bears, clear pop, sprinkles and ice cream, and it demonstrates how pollution can spread so easily. The kids loved it."
Amy's Amazin' Artwork July 1-2 provided children an opportunity to make themselves costumes for the finale, the Banana Slugs String Band concert, and windsocks, rain sticks and greenhouses out of recycled materials.
Next up was (county Parks Director) Scott Wyman's program, "Animals, Animals, Animals."
Sarett provided live animals July 15-16, from a variety of turtles to a snake and a tiny owl.
Overall, "Reading -- Naturally" involved 578 children and 157 young adults between the four CDL branches and Dowagiac Public Library.