The Daviess County Public Library is turning into “Jurassic Park” to engage children and families with its annual summer reading program.
Children’s Librarian and Assistant Manager Taryn Norris said a “summer slide” typically occurs when students don’t get the consistent reading opportunities they do during the school year. This program is the library’s way of combating that slide.
“We’re hoping to bridge the gap for that summer slide for the kids when they’re not in school. They can lose those literacy skills that they’re used to building on when they’re in school. By doing this and having other educational programs, we’re hoping to add to what the kids are doing,” Norris said.
To fit the theme of “Read, Roar, and Explore,” the library is adorned with dinosaur art from the windows to the walls and ceilings. Norris said that while dinosaurs are interesting to children, the library knew the callback to “Jurassic Park” could also help attract older patrons.
The reading program will last through July 31, with several daily programs and activities.
Throughout the summer, the library will be awarding milestone prizes for children who reach 15 and 30 hours of reading. For each hour they read, a chile will receive an entry for the end-of-summer drawing.
There are also events like the Whimsical Wonka Wonderland, Decorating Dinosaurs, and a Dinosaur Scavenger Hunt. All summer events can be found here.
Norris said they specifically host these events to give the children chances to interact and reinforce the importance of reading. All programs are free, but she said some do require registration.
“We just want to provide services and activities for the community, and everything is free,” Norris said. “People will ask me how much it costs them. Nothing. It doesn’t cost anything, just show up.”
