Summer reading starts with a splash

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katrina M. Brisbin
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The McConnell Library's summer reading program kicked off June 4, 2012, with a "splashdown" held at the base outdoor pool pavilion.

In addition to enrolling in the summer reading program, more than 70 McConnell family members met with Sparky the Fire Dog and cooled off under a fire hose.

The library will offer three reading programs for summer 2012.

Youth ages 3 through 11 can participate in the "Dream Big, Read," program. This program is about all things nocturnal - dreams, stars, planets, animals, spooky stories and more.

This year's theme for the teens ages 12 through 18 is "Own The Night," which will include opportunities to explore, experience and enjoy aspects of the night to include dreams, astronomy and supernatural stories.

"I think library programs are vital," said Madeleine Goodner, who has been involved with the summer reading programs since 2000. "They put the books into action by providing different activities to keep [children] stepping forward in reading."

Over 50 activities and four contests will be offered for preschool through adults.

Summer reading is not just for children. The library also offers a summer reading program for adults.

This program encourages adults to explore new and different reading interests, meet and mingle with other McConnell members and share their love of reading with their children.

At the end of the summer, participants will turn in their completed reading logs. They will then receive a summer reading completion certificate redeemable for discount at the Star Wars Exhibit at the Sedgwick County Science and Discovery Center, a free book and prize bag.

"This year's program is not goal oriented," says Jacky White, 22nd Force Support Squadron library program coordinator. "This put too much pressure on the children and they felt that if they didn't complete their goal, they couldn't turn in their reading log. We just want them to enjoy reading."

This program is national. Airmen and families that move to new installations during the summer will not have to worry about lost progress, everything will transfer over so that their children will still receive deserved rewards.