Summer Readers Rewarded with a Celebration

Earlier this week, the Bayport-Blue Point Library held a Summer Reading Club closing celebration on the grounds of the Blue Point Fire Department for the 250 children who participated in the program. 

Although the summer reading club has been a successful program at the library for numerous years, it was only six years ago that staff decided to start holding a closing celebration; this celebration has become the highlight of the reading club. 

Library staff joined the fun on the big day; blowing bubbles, jumping rope and playing bean bag basketball with the kids. A bounce house, obstacle course, inflatable slides and tricycles made for two were all part of the party. To add to the entertainment, a magician strolled the grounds doing magic tricks.  The DJ kept the kids dancing and ended the party with some group dances and a congo line. 

Connor Spencer of Blue Point really looks forward to the party after reading all his books during the summer.  After going down the huge slide, he described it as "Awesome!" 

For the club, participants were asked to read various books and report on them to library staff.  The kids received prizes as they completed each level of the reading club, with the grand prize being the closing celebration party. Summer readers only received a ticket to the celebration once they read a certain number of books. 

It wasn't all book reports at their meetings, the kids had the chance to play games relating to the books they read.  Children's librarian Elizabeth Walsh said "The summer reading program is fun for all.  It is so amazing to see how many children participate and how they learn to read."