Library 'dives into reading'

Ruth Whinnem reads to Linden Street School first-graders June 3 during a program promoting the Plainville Library summer reading program, "Dive into Reading." A kick-off party will be held Wednesday, June 18 at the library, 56 E. Main St.

More than 500 children are expected to enter the Dive into Reading Club this summer at the Plainville Public Library, 56 E. Main St. Dive into Reading is the theme for the Children's Department 2008 summer reading program. The children's area is decorated with sea creatures, mermaids and yellow submarines. Programs and activities are planned.

During the past two weeks, children's librarian, Ruth Whinnem, and Margaret LeMasurier have visited the three Plainville elementary schools to encourage children to visit the library and participate in the program. Using graphics, Whinnem explained the program, the necessity of working on reading skills during the summer and the enjoyment of a lifelong reading habit to children from kindergarten through fifth grade. Children were then treated to a story and a brief visit from "the shy dragon that lives in her 'magic fire book,'" according to a library press release.

A Summer Reading Kick-off Party will be held Wednesday, June 18. Although children may sign up at the library at any time, many sign up the evening of the party. At 6:30 p.m., Ed Popielarczyk, professional magician and balloon twister entertainer, will present a program of magic.

Being part of the summer reading program is simple. Children come to the library and pick out a yellow submarine on the wall where they will keep track of the number of books they read. They're given a reading record to take home to write down the titles of books they read. When they make subsequent visits to the library, they will put a stamp on their submarines for each book they have read. The completed reading records should be returned to their new teacher in September.

As part of the program, school-age children may enter a coloring contest. When they register they will be given a picture to color at home and return to the library. The contest is divided into three divisions: kindergarten through grade two, grades three through five, and grade six and up. Pictures that are returned by Monday, July 14 will be judged by a panel of people from the Friends of the Plainville Library. A book prize will be awarded to the winner of each division on Monday, July 21, at 6:30 p.m. Karl's Comedy Circus will entertain with a fast-paced, show of circus acts involving audience participation.

Dive into Reading will have an end of summer reading club party Friday, Aug. 15, at 6:30 p.m. The party will feature Captain Papillion, "the prodigious purveyor of positive pirating," library officials said. He will present songs of pirating and the sea with help from the audience.

The Friends of the Plainville Library sponsor the annual summer reading program. It is through its generosity that the Children's Department is able to provide great entertainment.

The Children's Department has had a summer reading program for many years. Its purpose is to help children keep and expand their reading ability and to foster a love of reading. The staff is willing to help children find books of interest to them or to suggest a good book. Book displays are situated throughout the room and there will be a large display of books related to the ocean theme. The program is popular with children and parents. Former participants now bring in their own children to join the program. A large portion of elementary school children participates but the program is not restricted only to them. Many middle school students join as well as high school students and even some parents. Everyone is welcome including people from other towns. It's a good way for parents to show children that reading is important to them also, said Peter Chase, library director.