Summer read athon for kids in SB
Summer is too often a time of soaring temps, spiking crime and wayward youths in San Bernardino.
Just since last Friday there has been a homicide and an under-reported shooting of two teenaged boys (both lived).
I'm an objective, professional reporter, but I have no problem observing some maxims. Examples? Power brokers must face tough questions; the public has a right to know government business; and kids being shot is tragic ... always (I should also add that officials shouldn't parrot information about child murder victims' "criminal" backgrounds).
All of which is as good a reason as any to applaud the work of the local library and the local businesses that sponsor the Summer Reading program that engages thousands of local kids.
Click below for a little story ...
By Robert Rogers
Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO -- Economists and government leaders love to talk about incentives.
Why not librarians?
In San Bernardino, rewards and entertainment have been driving youths to the books every summer for decades.
The San Bernardino Public Library's 2008 summer reading program for children kicked off June 16, but is still open to local kids and teens until Aug. 9.
Everyone who signs up for the reading game receives a free book bag.
"In the last 10 years, this has really grown," said librarian Mary Chartier. "With more prizes and activities, thanks to more businesses buying in, we've been able to get more and more children involved."
Chartier estimated that 300 kids were enrolled at the Feldheym Central Library as of June 23, and that close to 3,000 total should be enrolled in the library's four location system by summer's end.
The program works simply, Chartier said. Children check out books and earn points for reading, often passing impromptu quizzes on what they read from librarians.
And preschoolers can participate by having a parent or older brother or sister read to them.
Prizes include reading themed prizes such as bookmarks, stickers, pencils, finger puppets and coupons for food, drinks and games.
There will be special activities throughout the summer beginning with "Space Bug," a new puppet show Saturday, June 28, at the Feldheym Central Library at 2 p.m.
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