Bookmobile Kicks Off Belmont Library Summer Reading Program

Visitors to the last Sunday were greeted to an unexpected yet welcome visit from the San Mateo County Library’s Bookmobile.

The bookmobile was at the farmers market to help spread word about the more than a dozen events and programs taking place at the starting in June.

“There’s going to be something every week during summer,” said Belmont Library Branch Manager Kathleen Beasley.

Beasley and Belmont Children’s Librarian Ellie Anderson welcomed local families inside the bookmobile as they helped spread word about the Belmont library summer reading program, summer reading club events, the teen photography contest, teen summer reading program, and a Hogwarts Party.  

While the official Summer Reading Kickoff Party with Jump for Joy Music isn’t until June 25 at 1 p.m., any youngsters looking to begin their reading log early can do so starting June 4.

“We will have the sign-up sheets on June 4 for kids who want to start that early,” Beasley said.

On June 4 at 2 p.m., the Belmont Library will host its first summer reading club event - Dad & Me @ the Library Puppet Show.While the weekly summer reading club events will include a reptile show, a juggler, and a magic show, Anderson said she is especially excited about the July 9 visit by Karen Quest: Cowgirl Tricks.

“I saw her at a performer’s showcase and she was hilarious. She does really great rope tricks. But she also does tongue twisters and has a fantastic sense of humor,” Anderson said.

The summer reading program is open to any child living in San Mateo County. Just over 900 children participated in the Belmont library summer reading program last summer and the library is hoping to top that number this summer.

“The idea is to keep kids reading over the summer so their reading levels do not drop. So when they start school in the fall, they are ready to excel,” said  Anderson.

If the fun of reading isn’t enough, there are also incentives to keep children reading all summer long. For those who sign up for the summer reading program, there is a prize given at sign up. Midway through the summer, there is another prize given. At the end of the program, kids will receive a goody bag, which will include a book, beach ball, a pizza coupon, and a pass to Chabot Space & Science Center.

And in case summer reading seems like something only for younger children, fear not because there are also summer programs for teens and a teen summer reading program.      

The teen reading program starts on June 1. Teens who read at least three books will receive a USB drive and will be entered into a grand prize drawing for an iPod Touch.

There will also be special summer programs for teens. There will be a photography contest with cash prizes, gaming on Wednesday, a global candy tasting, and an anime extravaganza.

Teens can also turn in weekly review cards for a chance to win gift cards from area businesses including Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, and Jamba Juice.

While some kids may be tempted to see their summer break as a welcomed respite from school, the reading clubs and events clearly show that summer need not be a break from reading.

“In my opinion, summer reading is about reading for fun – following your interests. You don’t have anything assigned and so whatever grabs your curiosity, you should run with that,” Anderson said.