The Mattapoisett Library has spent the summer delivering superhero-themed presentations and stories to area children, including the latest presentation by storyteller Rona Leventhol, as part of the library’s Superhero Summer Reading Program. But as kids are reading about heroes of all shapes, sizes, and sorts, they themselves are taking on the roles of superheroes – simply by reading books.
Every superhero has a story to tell. That is the theme of this year’s summer reading program. This year’s program took a flying leap forward when a local donor, instead of purchasing prizes for kids who read six hours within six weeks as they do every year, decided to make donations to one of four local charities on behalf of each reader so the readers themselves could be the superheroes in their own community.
Children’s Librarian at the Mattapoisett Library Linda Burke said the various fun summer programs and activities for the kids are one way of reinforcing the importance of reading, as well as the children’s love for books.
“We want the kids to maintain their reading skills throughout the summer,” said Burke. “The best way to do that is to keep them reading.”
Burke said she works hard to keep the activities, presentations, and challenges especially fun.
“It gets them into the library,” said Burke. And that, she said, is how the library entices kids to keep up their reading and foster that love of books.
At the end of the reading program, on August 12, the library will host an ice cream party for participants who complete the reading challenge, and Burke says, “We don’t limit the ice cream for the kids, either.”
Yes, kids, it’s all-you-can-eat ice cream and toppings, and all you have to do is something most kids love to do anyway: Read!
The donations in lieu of the prizes will go to four local nonprofits: All Hands Volunteers, Therapy Dogs of Cape Cod, the New Bedford Women’s Center, and Helping Hands and Hooves.
Burke said when she told the young readers that instead of prizes, the money would be donated to these charities, “Not one of them said, ‘ugh.’” She told them they themselves would be the heroes and help other children. And unlimited ice cream? Well, yeah, that helps, too.
By Jean Perry
