Programming
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Programming
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Programming Offerings:
Studies indicate that literacy begins at a very early age. So in 2004, a program entitled "Our Little Bookworms" for toddlers 12 months to 3 years started at the North Wales Library.
When you arrive at 10:30 a.m., you will meet the friendly librarians. Each month three or four sturdy, colorful, easy concept books are highlighted. Children and caregivers together spend the time enjoying the program. At the conclusion of each session, every family is encouraged to join the Library and choose toddler-appropriate books to borrow and enjoy at home. The goal of this program is to have your little ones yearning for more books to read and enjoy.
"Our Little Bookworms" was chosen by then 13 year-old Kristen Martino, who was earning her Silver Award for Girl Scouts, as her project. When Jayne Blackledge, Co-Director, proposed the idea of helping with a toddler reading program, Kristin happily accepted. Time, hard work, and careful planning made this idea a reality.
Since its inception this program has received financial support from Merck, which began and has continued to have financial support from Merck, and has been a huge hit. "The kids seem to enjoy themselves and the parents certainly look happy to find something to do with their children that is both educational and fun." Kristin says. A program that benefits both parents and their children and is free now that is something that every community Library needs.
The Library has received an enthusiastic response from local families, but there is still room for more toddlers to attend. If you would like more information about this or any other Library program, contact Jayne Blackledge at the Library (215-699-5410) or stop in to visit and pick up a good book.
GlaxoSmithKline's Science in the Summer Program is a free science education program that helps elementary school children "grow into science." Comprised of two classes organized by the North Wales Library, the program gets kids excited about studying science with hands-on experiments. Students who have completed grades 1 or 2 are Level 1 and students who have completed grades 3, 4 or 5 are Level 2. Sign-up for Science in the Summer is held May 1st until all 15 openings and 5 waiting list places for each level are full. Students must attend all four days of the program. There is no participation fee; the program is sponsored by Glaxosmithkline and American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The subject for the summer 2009 program is Chemistry.
Graduates of the "Students Discuss Books @ Your Library" program asked that a reading group be created to offer students in ninth grade up a forum to continue meeting to discuss books. And now the program has been expanded to include college students who are home during semester breaks and in the summer. Each month a book with lasting merit is chosen, read and discussed; participants borrow a copy of the book at the Library prior to the discussion. Sometimes pizza, ethnic food or desserts are served. All meetings feature a lively discussion with everyone involved. The multiple copies used by the book club become part of the Library's permanent collection and circulate to other Libraries and schools. Several traditions have evolved: a joint meeting with the Library Adult Book Club to discuss the Philadelphia Regional Book selection in March, having an author phone or visit the group at least once a year and book shopping to update the young adult collection at the library. Encouraging readers of all ages is important, and encouraging teens to read is a particular challenge and vital in satisfying their curiosity about the world around them through fine literature.