Local libraries enrolling summer readers

Local librarians aim to "Dig into Reading" this summer by enrolling 250 readers per library at the Chickamauga, LaFayette and Rossville branches in the Cherokee Regional Library System. All three libraries hope to gain summer readers and hope to encourage people to join in supporting their local library, said representatives.

Chickamauga

Chickamauga Public Library is running its summer reading programming June 1-July 19. There will be programs for children, teenagers and adults. All ages can enroll to read 10 books or for 10 hours to complete the program.

"Children get incentives as they go along," said library manager Renee Roeder, adding that gift cards to museums, restaurants and attractions will be presented to readers of all ages for participating in the program.

She said the children especially like storyteller Barry Mann who visits each summer. This year he will be in the character of Hot Diggity Doug as he acts out books with props. Fiddlin' Dan is also a big hit for youth, she said. He teaches children to play spoons and shows them how to use a washtub, banjo and fiddle to make music.

"We try to make it fun for the kids," said Roeder. "I try to encourage the kids that summer is a great time to read things you can't read during the school year. Summer reading helps students maintain skills so when they go back to school they can pick up where they left off or even be a little ahead on reading."

For a full list of special events and to learn more, find Chickamauga Public Library on Facebook.

LaFayette

LaFayette-Walker County Public Library is running its summer reading programming June 2-27 with reading logs due July 6. All ages can register in person through June 15. Every other Saturday in July and August the library will host a family program. If the summer readers continue reading those months and show proof through a mobile, drawing or book report, the reader will receive a free milkshake from Sonic.

"It is said that if you read continuously throughout the summer then your test scores are higher and your retention rate of the last year's material is also higher," said Youth Education librarian Chelsea Kovalevskiy. "During the summer reading, students can check out whatever book they choose; it does not have to be on the Accelerated Reader list."

For a full list of special events and to learn more, find LaFayette-Walker County Library on Facebook.

Rossville

Rossville Public Library librarians are enrolling people of all ages for the local library's summer reading program that begins June 7. People can still enroll after the program starts. The program ends with a July 15 party.

To complete the program, children must read 10 books or for 10 hours and adults must read five books and write two book reviews. Youth Education Coordinator Brandy Wyatt is having a competition for teens and adults readers.

The program also encompasses presentations by special visitors. She said children will enjoy magician Ken Scott who has performed at the White House. Readers will also have the opportunity to adopt a bat through the Pigeon Mountain Grotto caving team that visits the library. Other fun activities involve tie dying a T-shirt and using chalk to draw on the sidewalk.

"I encourage kids to read on their level," said Wyatt. "Last year I applied for a $2,000 Target Grant for the summer reading program and got it. That pays for the performers and pays for new summer reading books."

For a full list of special events and to learn more, visit chrl.org.

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