Garlic Capital bookworms in need of good company should head to
the local literature lair at 7652 Monterey St., as there’s no time
like summer to get lost in a leisure read.
Garlic Capital bookworms in need of good company should head to the local literature lair at 7652 Monterey St., as there’s no time like summer to get lost in a leisure read.
The Gilroy Library’s Summer Reading Clubs have been around since the ’70s and cater to children, teens and adults through different activities and resources. The system is an accessible tool for engaging youngsters, a proactive outlet for idle teens and an easy way to get connected with discussion groups.
Community Librarian Lani Yoshimura said reading incentives help bridge the gap between spring and fall, when thinking skills become dull if the mind isn’t stimulated.
“For kids who had break in the summer, it seems like they had to kick-start themselves to get back into school. It kind of helps keep kids in education mode,” she said.
Besides keeping the cerebral wheels turning, Yoshimura highlighted summer clubs as guiding people back to that happy place where reading is a source of pleasure and relaxation – not a mandated requirement from school or work.
The Children’s Summer Reading Club is open to all youth up to the eighth grade and offers programs at 3:30 p.m. in the story room every Thursday through August 4. Participants set their own reading goal and are encouraged to attend special activities that include songs, crafts, movies and games. At the end of the summer, children will receive a free paperback book and certificate of completion. The library also offers children’s story times, which continue year round from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesdays.
“Children signing up is wonderful, but teens get to into an age where they’re like, ‘what’s in it for me?’ ” laughed librarian Kelly Young. “There’s kind of a catch. They’re not used to coming for pleasure as opposed for assignments and research.”
The teen program offers thoughtful incentives to youth ages 13 to 18 including a bookmark contest, a free book at sign up and chance to win an iPod shuffle along with a $25 gift card from iTunes in a grand prize drawing. There are also discussions, handy suggested readings lists, plus interactive events at 4 p.m. Wednesdays through July 20 such as calligraphy writing, creating duct tape luggage/backpack tags, an international candy tasting and movie night. Teens who read or listen to at least five books or graphic novels and turn in their reading log by Aug. 31 will get an extra prize.
For adults who join in, there’s a library book bag, key chain, photography contest –also open to teens – book discussions, meet-the-author events and an online forum. Participants will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to a local bookstore, and those who complete the Read Five Summer Challenge get a chance to win a $50 bookstore gift certificate.
Anyone wishing to get involved may register online at santaclaracountylib.org, although Young and Yoshimura encourage stopping by the library in person. This way participants can grab folders containing supplementary materials relevant to each program, including event dates and times, reading logs, suggested books, contact information and more.
Reading clubs
– Summer activities/incentives last until Aug. 31
– Summer Reading Clubs offer groups for children, teens and adults
– Include incentives such as raffle prizes, free books, events and contests
– Visit the Gilroy Library at 7625 Monterey St. or go to santaclaracountylib.org to sign up
