One of the first things we did in NY was visit the local library. The library is housed in a small wing attached to the Fire Station.
While we weren't expecting much we were pleasantly surprised; the shelves were packed, there was a little reading nook with leather chairs and tea/coffee plus four shared computers that you can use and pay for printouts. Our favorite part though was the lovely librarian who immediately narrowed in on the types of books the kids liked and started making suggestions and finding books for us. She also shared that the library had access to books across 62 libraries in the area so if a book wasn't here, she could most likely get it for us. C immediately asked for "The Outlaw Varjack Paw" book, the sequel to "Varjack Paw", the book her class read in school this year. It turns out only one of the libraries carried it...but the librarian made sure it would soon be with us. To take out books, all I needed to do was show my driver's license (which was CA issued). And as an added bonus, each time the kids took out books they were able to spin the wheel and pick a small toy.
Another reason I love the librarian. Both kids have been enjoying reading graphic books like "RollerGirl" and "Ghosts". The librarian showed us what she had in stock and the kids took out most everything she had. The next day we came in; not only did the librarian remember us but she held up a graphic novel that was returned earlier in the day which she had put aside for us. I made a comment that we were going to read all the graphic novels in the library and she gave me a wink and said don't worry, I ordered some more from other libraries. Engaged, proactive and personalized - service at it's finest!
In addition to helping select books, the librarian explained that during the summer, the library held a reading contest. Prizes were on display in the lobby and ranged from legos, star wars and princess toys to sports equipment and gift cards. How it works is that for every 15 minutes read, the kids put a "X" on their reading page. After 4 "X's" (1 hour of reading) the kids were given a ticket which could be put into one of the prize jars. At the end of the summer, one name would be picked from each of the jars. C & K are good readers anyway but this contest put them into overdrive. They were reading every waking moment and hoped for long car rides so that they could read during the trip. Almost every day we were back at the library trading out books and submitting tickets.
Both had zeroed in on the prizes they wanted; C the $25 Target Gift Card and K the boogie board / outdoor sports set. C put all but one of her tickets in the Target jar (the one other ticket went into the $25 Walmart gift card jar) and K put all his tickets in the boogie board jar.
On Saturday there was a finale party at the library. There was lemonade and hot dogs to enjoy but it was the prize draw that most interested the kids. I'm happy to report that we went home with two super happy kiddos!
They both worked very hard for their tickets so I'm glad luck was also on their side. Now if only the library ran a reading contest in August too!
While we weren't expecting much we were pleasantly surprised; the shelves were packed, there was a little reading nook with leather chairs and tea/coffee plus four shared computers that you can use and pay for printouts. Our favorite part though was the lovely librarian who immediately narrowed in on the types of books the kids liked and started making suggestions and finding books for us. She also shared that the library had access to books across 62 libraries in the area so if a book wasn't here, she could most likely get it for us. C immediately asked for "The Outlaw Varjack Paw" book, the sequel to "Varjack Paw", the book her class read in school this year. It turns out only one of the libraries carried it...but the librarian made sure it would soon be with us. To take out books, all I needed to do was show my driver's license (which was CA issued). And as an added bonus, each time the kids took out books they were able to spin the wheel and pick a small toy.
Another reason I love the librarian. Both kids have been enjoying reading graphic books like "RollerGirl" and "Ghosts". The librarian showed us what she had in stock and the kids took out most everything she had. The next day we came in; not only did the librarian remember us but she held up a graphic novel that was returned earlier in the day which she had put aside for us. I made a comment that we were going to read all the graphic novels in the library and she gave me a wink and said don't worry, I ordered some more from other libraries. Engaged, proactive and personalized - service at it's finest!
In addition to helping select books, the librarian explained that during the summer, the library held a reading contest. Prizes were on display in the lobby and ranged from legos, star wars and princess toys to sports equipment and gift cards. How it works is that for every 15 minutes read, the kids put a "X" on their reading page. After 4 "X's" (1 hour of reading) the kids were given a ticket which could be put into one of the prize jars. At the end of the summer, one name would be picked from each of the jars. C & K are good readers anyway but this contest put them into overdrive. They were reading every waking moment and hoped for long car rides so that they could read during the trip. Almost every day we were back at the library trading out books and submitting tickets.
Both had zeroed in on the prizes they wanted; C the $25 Target Gift Card and K the boogie board / outdoor sports set. C put all but one of her tickets in the Target jar (the one other ticket went into the $25 Walmart gift card jar) and K put all his tickets in the boogie board jar.
On Saturday there was a finale party at the library. There was lemonade and hot dogs to enjoy but it was the prize draw that most interested the kids. I'm happy to report that we went home with two super happy kiddos!
They both worked very hard for their tickets so I'm glad luck was also on their side. Now if only the library ran a reading contest in August too!
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