Evidently there is a hilarious children’s book series about a character named “Captain Underpants.” Good grief!
Most of my group loved the book series, but to my relief enjoyed reading some other things with more classical titles including National Geographic Kids magazines. Not bad.
However, the alarming thing that happened was that two students at the table could not name one book that they enjoyed. Thinking that they just couldn’t remember the name of the book, I asked if they liked books about sports or super heroes, or animals or dinosaurs, and they gave me blank stares.
Finally I asked, “What do you like to do?”
They said they only liked to play video games. Uh oh!
There’s nothing wrong with some video game time, but playing games instead of reading just doesn’t work well for today’s kids.
So I’m urging all parents and grandparents to either read to a child or have a child read to them this summer. At the least, make sure they have a variety of reading materials available. It is important that our children have someone help them improve their reading skills in a world where success is often based upon literacy.
People who live in Enon or Mad River Township (or the western end of the county) have a wonderful modern library at 209 E. Main St., Enon, with a cool children’s section. I love how the enormous, brightly colored flowers, plants and butterflies make it seem like the children’s section is designed for elves and fairies … or bugs. It is a place for the imaginations of children to take flight — and mine, too, I guess.
Last week, I met Jane Cross, a new assistant librarian at Enon who is enthusiastic about its summer program.
“The best part of the Summer Reading Program is the children, the books, but most importantly children with books in their hands,” said Cross. “The best way to improve anything is through practice, and the children need to practice during the summer to be ready when school begins.
“Events at the library are great motivators, and these events give us a chance to display books related to the program,” she continued. “In addition, the more the children read, the more chances they have to win prizes, and for some that is an incentive the keeps them reading.”
Prizes are donated by the Friends of the Library and the Young Women’s Mission, but I imagine the library would gladly accept other donations toward prizes. Just ask if you or your organization can help.
Each one of the Clark County Library branches, the bookmobile and main library has its own schedule of events in the FIZZ BOOM READ program.
The most unique day in Enon is June 11 at “Bee Crafty” when elementary age students will eat their way through the life cycle of a butterfly in addition to making a bug. Now that has me curious.
The bug theme continues with the next Wednesday, June 18, with “B is for Butterflies, Bugs and Beetles.” This will be fun with the décor in the Children’s Section. There are two sections that are set up by age. Be sure to reserve a spot in the correct time slot.
A magic show, “FIZZ BOOM BAM,” will delight all ages in Enon Thursday, June 26. Gordon the Magician will be there with his sidekick, George the Raccoon.
Only July 10 in Enon, there is an interactive program about birds for the younger kids ages 4-7.
So I was wondering if there would be any live animal show this year and the answer was an enthusiastic, “Yes. Feathered ones.”
A falcon, hawk and owl will be visiting the Enon branch from the Glen Helen Raptor Center on July 16. Registration will be important for this one because it will be very popular.
Dr. Stacey Hundley from Wright State University will present “Exploring Earth Science through Explosions, Excavations and the Environment” for elementary ages students on July 31 at the Enon branch. Registration is required. You might catch me hanging out in the back of the room for this one.
I did not include the times because it is important for parents to register their children for these events. It will help the library staff know how many chairs, and materials, to allow for each of the events. Just call 937-864-2502 and ask about the program schedule at Enon. Or you can drop by and pick up a printed schedule.
The programs are different at all the Clark County Public Library branches, but each location will welcome children and adults from anywhere in the county.
Families from the western end of Clark County are also fairly close to Park Branch which is located at 1119 N. Bechtle Ave., and they have a whole different list of activities. Just visit the website at www.ccpl.lib.oh.us.
And remember as the summer goes on, exploring a different library branch with your children is a fun and FREE activity for a rainy day. Just watch out for Captain Underpants.
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