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Laughlin’s library encourages literacy for all

  • Published
  • By Laura Salazar
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Laughlin's Book Mark Library is offering a free summer reading program for students in pre-school through high school to promote literacy throughout the base.

A Midsummer Knight's Read is a program created by the Department of Defense that encourages students to continue reading throughout their summer break.

"In our program, we read stories, make crafts, play games, win prizes and eat snacks. Over the entire course of the summer, the kids have to complete the reading challenge.
They must read a total of 12 age-appropriate books or achieve more than 12 hours of reading," said Alicia Gage, library technician.

The program is divided into pre-school, school-age and teen groups. Each group varies in size, ranging from 15 to 30 members each week.

"I've come to the program with my brother about five times. My favorite parts are the different activities we do and the prizes we can win," said Ashley Terrell, school-age group member.

Prizes can be won by playing games, completing the reading challenge or having a good attendance record.

"For our pre-school age group, we have the Read to Me program. Their parents read to them so they can complete the reading challenge and earn prizes, too," said Gage.

The school-age group meets every Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the library. The kids have read several medieval themed books, such as Falling for Rapunzel, to match the theme of the program. They have also made magic wands, sun catchers, a giant dragon and wine goblets during the craft session and played games such as limbo and charades.

"My favorite part in Falling for Rapunzel was when Rapunzel threw the wrong stuff out of the window because she couldn't hear. It was really funny," said Isabella Burrow, school-age group member.

The program also offers opportunities to read books, play games and earn prizes for teenagers in seventh through twelfth grade. The teen group meets in the library at 1 p.m. every other Wednesday.

"For our teens, we have movie afternoons and games like Castle Clue. We're also going to have a cooking contest and medieval feast July 20," said Gage.

The program ends Aug. 2 with an ice cream social at Laughlin's Friendship Pool. At the social, prizes will be given out to those who complete the reading challenge.

"This is a really great program. It keeps kids reading all summer so they're not just sitting at home bored. We're really excited for future reading programs. Next summer, our theme is 'Reading is so Delicious'. We hope to have an even better turn out than this year," said Sue Blankemeyer, library manager.

For additional information on the summer reading program, contact Alicia Gage at (830) 298-4377.