This year’s Summer Reading Program hosted by the Española Public Library aims to prove that science does not belong only in laboratories.
Española Public Library Director Sherry Aragon said the annual program, which the library started hosting in the 1970s, will feature scientific themes and activities in programs for every age group. She said the theme was selected by 49 state libraries across the country.
“Everything this year is related to science,” she said. “They’ll come in and be doing some science activities, and they’ll also be doing arts and crafts activities.”
Last year’s theme was about archaeology, Aragon said.
She said the children’s literacy program, which aims to develop early language skills of youth ages 6 to 12, is titled, “Fizz, Boom, Read.” It will be held from 10 to
11 a.m. Tuesdays, from June to the end of July.
Program participants will be able to attend various activities each week, such as cow milking and book signing sessions. The library plans to hold talks by speakers, including singing scientist Curious Chris and KOB meteorologist Steve Stucker.
She said the library will host “story walks” as part of the program, as well.
“We laminate a whole book, then we put them on little stakes down at the park, then we could take the parents and the kids and walk around the whole park,” she said. “They can do some exercise and get parents and youth involved together and motivated to do a lot of summer reading.”
The library also plans to continue its teen reading program, which is available for youth ages 13 to 18. This year’s theme is “Spark a Reaction,” which also focuses on scientific topics. It will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursdays.
Aragon said the program helps youth to keep up with school.
“It keeps them up with a lot of their literature and vocabulary for the summer,” she said. “Teens want vampire books — oh my gosh, vampire book — but we try to order those books that are related to summer reading.”
Aragon said that last year, 37 teens participated in the program, a sharp increase from 2012’s turnout of eight teens. She said she hopes to see another increase this year.
“Hopefully, we motivate teens to read and do a lot of discussion on literature, because a lot of teens don’t like to read, and they would just rather stay home and not do anything, watch TV or play games,” she said. “Hopefully, we’ll get a lot of teens here again.”
Aragon said the program has a budget of about $1,000, which the library obtained from the New Mexico State Library and from Friends of the Library.
For the first time, the library will also try to hold an adult literacy program for people 18 and older. She said the library also plans to continue its Story Hour for kids up to 5 years old.
Española Community Services Director Mark Trujillo said the program’s focus on science this year may help encourage Española children to pursue higher education in scientific fields. He said the program allows for hands-on and visual learning among youth.
“A young person or anybody for that matter, they think science is kind of boring and over their heads,” he said. “But when you start learning how atoms come together and how it infuses with other atoms and what it becomes, especially at a young age, they’re so curious. Once you grab that attention, they might feel that thanks to this program, we’ll have somebody that’s interested in science and space.”
Trujillo said the program also provides children safe alternative activities.
“It gives our youths something to do and something to look forward to,” he said. “It also creates a healthy distraction from just skateboarding on the streets and exposing themselves to some kind of danger. It’s an educational, fun experience.”
Although books might be losing their charm, the program still proves to be helpful for Española, Trujillo said.
“They’re not as popular, but they are another venue for those who might not have the financial means to purchase a computer,” he said. “They can also come in and check out a book or two, and that gives them something to do for the next week. It’s another venue for them to keep their mind active. And I still enjoy having something in my hand and turning the page.”
Registration for the children’s program started May 27 and lasts until May 30. Registration for the teen program started June 2 and lasts until June 6.