Published: June 10, 2009 11:37 am      

‘Express yourself’ at county’s libraries

The summer reading program for Fayette County Public Libraries debuts next week. Each library will offer a weekly hour-long program encouraging reading.

This year’s theme is “Be creative at your library” and “Express yourself at your library.” Each library will offer reading incentives and crafts to go along with the program.

Summer reading programs began in the 1890s as a way to encourage school children, particularly those in urban areas and not needed for farm work, to read during summer vacation, to use the library and develop the habit of reading.

Numerous studies have shown that summer programs help ensure that school children retain reading and learning skills over the summer recess.

Summer reading programs are geared for reading for the fun of it. If you can read, thank a teacher. If you love to read, thank a librarian.

Libraries are in the business of creating a new generation of readers — people who are curious and love to read. Summer library programs take advantage of children’s natural curiosity to introduce new subjects and different genres — things kids might not study in school but in which they are interested.

The Fayette County Summer Reading program is free of charge and open to children aged 3-12 years old.

The following is a schedule of the summer reading program for the Fayette County Public Libraries.

* Ansted Public Library, 304-658-5472 — Kickoff is Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m. Most programs will be held on Fridays from 11 a.m. to noon, except the kickoff and the July 2 meeting, which will be Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m.

* Fayetteville Public Library, 304-574-0070 — Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Kickoff is June 17.

* Gauley Bridge Public Library, 304-632-2172 — Tuesdays at 2 p.m.

* Meadow Bridge Public Library, 304-484-7942 — Thursdays 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

* Montgomery Public Library, 304-442-5665 — Thursdays at 11 a.m.

* Mount Hope Public Library, 304-877-3260 — Mondays at 11 a.m.

* Oak Hill Public Library, 304-469-9890 — Registration on June 11 at 11 a.m. with sidewalk chalk drawing. There will be two story-time sessions again this year, one on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. and one on Thursdays at 11 a.m. Decide which day works best for you and come to registration on June 11.