To most children and teens, summer fun does not include spending time at your local public library reading books. Summer reading clubs and programs are offered in libraries across the state and nation, many following the same premise: read books, receive prizes. However, one would be surprised to discover that the Terrebonne Parish Library System’s Summer Reading Club is so much more than just books.
Summer reading programs offer children and teens a way to stay focused and connected to learning while out of school. Studies have shown that students who participate in such programs are better prepared to enter the next grade level in the Fall. Additionally, programs such as summer reading clubs offer children and teens educational, cultural, and creative outlets that they may often lack during summer vacation.
Each year, the Terrebonne Parish Library System offers children, teens, and even adults an opportunity to participate in the Summer Reading Club. Yearly themes are chosen and programming, activities, and workshops are done to provide residents of Terrebonne and the surrounding parishes with summer fun at no cost. Participants must have a library card and register for the program.
This year, children are encouraged to “Laugh Out Loud (LOL) @ the Library.” Children in kindergarten through sixth grade can register to complete this program by reading 10 or more books. Those who complete the program are entitled to prizes and even a chance to win a brand new bicycle. Teens can “Get Groovy @ the Library” this summer, registering for the program and reading at least three books for prizes. Prizes include coupons to businesses and restaurants around Houma. Children and teens who complete the program can get a sweet treat from Mom’s Snoballs, Scarlet Scoop, Dairy Queen, Sonic, Chic-fil-A,
Creole Lanes, and Aggies Skate World, just to name a few.
Children and teens can do so much more than read at the library this summer. Every branch of the Terrebonne Parish Library System offers regular story times, craft programs, and even professional performances during the summer months. Crafts and story times are all themed to the general theme of the two summer reading clubs. Special professional performances for children include musical and dance performances, puppet shows, and children’s theatre. A regional favorite, Johnette Downing, returns this year to provide musical performances at many of the library branches. New activities such as soap carving workshops and cartoon illustration programs are set to take place as well.
One of the most popular performances at the Terrebonne Parish Library is Harvey Rabbit. Harvey and his friends are visiting Terrebonne in July to provide three performances: two at the Main Library and one at the East Houma Branch. Harvey attracts record audience attendance to his performances, often drawing a crowd of nearly 200 individuals.
All children who complete the Summer Reading Club by reading at least ten books are able to enter a bicycle give-away drawing. The Kiwanis Club of Houma, Bayou City Bikes, and the Friends of the Terrebonne Public Library provide one bike per branch each summer. Children who complete the program are offered one chance to enter the drawing. Bikes are presented to the winners at the Main Library the Monday after Summer Reading Club ends. Representatives from each organization, as well as the Houma Police Department’s bicycle unit attend. The winners also receive a free helmet and are given a small training session on bicycle safety with H.P.D.
Teens are also treated to professional performances such as a show by the hip hop dance troupe Rhythm and Soul. For the first time, widely published cartoonish
and graphic novel illustrator Rob Guillory will provide a workshop for teens to learn special techniques and skills when illustrating. Teens will be able to create their own comic strip or graphic story during the workshop.
For the fourth year in a row, adult residents of Terrebonne Parish have an opportunity to participate in their very own summer reading club. This year’s theme is “Water Your Mind: READ!” Adults may register at any branch in the Terrebonne Parish Library System and complete the program by reading four books. Visually impaired adults may wish to listen to four books on CD. Those who complete the program will receive coupons to restaurants such as Buffalo Wild Wings and Sonic, as well as a coupon to the next Friends of the Library book sale. Other incentives and prizes are awarded at each library branch. Adults will
also be able to take part in special programming focusing on the general theme of gardening. Programs featuring vegetable and flower gardening will take place, among other special activities for adults.
T-shirts of all sizes and book bags with the “LOL” theme and logo are available at every branch for purchase. Registration for each of these Summer Reading Clubs begins May 24 at every branch of the Terrebonne Parish Library System. The program ends July 24. Those interested in more information about the Summer Reading Club or any other program taking place at the Terrebonne Parish Library may call 876-5158, or pick up a copy of the library’s newsletter at any one of the branches.
