The North Haven Memorial Library (NHML) recently kicked off its 2021 Summer Reading Program, which is sponsored by the Friends of the North Haven Library. While the programs look slightly different than in years past, there are opportunities for lit-lovers of all ages to participate and earn prizes through Aug. 1.

Summer Reading Programs are available for all ages and registration is in-person at the library. The categories include the Rubber Ducky Club for ages birth to 3, the children’s program for ages 4 to 12, the teen program for ages 13 to 18, and adult summer reading for ages 18 and older.

“I love the opportunities that I get to talk with children one-on-one and learn what they love to read and then help them discover a whole new world of reading recommendations,” said Emily Jenkins, children’s librarian. “If I can help turn even one child into a lifelong reader through my enthusiasm and encouragement, then I have done my job well.”

In a typical summer at the NHML, there are 60 high school volunteers working one-on-one with young readers as they complete summer reading activities, make their way through the life-sized interactive game room, and earn points they can redeem for prizes. Over the years, the summer reading program has drawn more than 700 participants each year.

Due to COVID, last year’s program had to be held virtually. With restrictions beginning to ease, Jenkins is taking a hybrid approach to the summer reading program this year with the help of a new face, who was introduced during the pandemic.

“We were able to create a fun hybrid of community safety and decorations and an interactive program,” said Jenkins. “We’ve officially introduced the community to NoodleMan, our unofficial mascot.”

Jenkins and NoodleMan teamed up to showcase some of the summer reading program’s prizes in an informative video that is available on the library’s website, www.northhavenlibrary.net. The website also outlines all of the rules and FAQs for the summer reading program.

With the summer reading program underway, there are currently about 250 signed up for the 4 to 12 age group and more than 40 signed up in the Rubber Ducky Club, which is a reading incentive program for birth to three and their caregivers.

Registrants ages 4 to 12 will receive a summer reading flyer that outlines different challenges and ways to earn points that can be redeemed for prizes. This year, participants will check out different “book bundles” from library materials and receive a stamp. Bonus points can also be earned by using online databases, writing reviews, and coloring the summer reading flyer.

“The log is very important and how we keep track of the bundles you’ve built through summer, keep track of points, and how we award them so put it somewhere very safe and bring it every time you come to library,” said Jenkins. “This year, our summer reading goal is to help you get familiar with the new layout of the Children’s Department and with some of the cool new materials we have to offer.”

During the pandemic, Jenkins worked closely with the library director to redesign the entire children’s department, noting “if it wasn’t nailed down, I moved it.” The children’s section now features a “more streamlined and cohesive environment that is visually appealing and perfect for a simple and enjoyable user experience.”

There is a newly created Tween section, new seating, and a LEGO wall. The cake pan collection has also been redesigned to make browsing easier. Patrons can also register for the children’s department’s twice-weekly Take & Make Craft Packs, which Jenkins said “has been an incredibly popular addition to our summer programming and is something we anticipate keeping in our regular programing throughout the year.

“We’ve also really beefed up our media collection with an awesome product called Wonderbooks—these are a traditional, hard-covered book with a built-in listening device that allows children to listen to the story read to them while they follow along on the pages,” said Jenkins. “They are so popular that I can barely keep them on the shelves.”

Another change to the program this year will be the distribution of prizes. All prizes will be chosen at Pop-Up Prize Shops, which will be held Thursday, Aug. 12 and Monday, Aug. 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. and Friday, Aug. 13 and Tuesday, Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

With the Rubber Ducky Club, patrons choose from the library’s recommended early literacy activities and color in one ducky for each activity completed with your child. After 15 completed activities, they can come to the library for a small prize. When 60 activities are completed, the child will earn a rubber ducky.

Though this is not NHML’s typical summer reading program, Jenkins is looking forward to having children return to the library.

“I absolutely love the opportunity to interact with our community’s children in a different way. I get to think creatively and create the foundation of a fun and unique program that encourages children to love the library and reading as much as I do,” said Jenkins. “I get to be silly and show my love of the community and books in a way that gets kids excited and encourages them to have just as much fun as I am.”

Jenkins is grateful to the Friends of the North Haven Library for sponsoring the program, as well as the staff at the library for “always stepping up to provide our patrons with the best possible library experience.”

For Seasoned Readers

Shauna DeStefano, assistant director of library services, and Brittany Pearson, reference librarian, are overseeing the summer reading programs for teens and adults. The goal for this year’s program was to make it as user-friendly and self-directed as possible as the community is still feeling the effects of COVID.

Though this year’s program will not feature spinning the carnival wheel to win raffle tickets and weekly drawings, the Friends of the Library has provided a number of gift cards to local businesses for a final drawing.

“While this year’s program is smaller in size, rest assured it is just as fun,” said DeStefano. “Even though this year might be different, given the circumstances, we are happy to welcome people back into the library and to continue their love of reading.”

Both the teen and adult programs will feature Bingo boards with participants marking off spots for different things such as reading books from different genres and topics, listening to audio books, watching movies, and using different library services. Participants can earn up to 10 tickets by completing the entire Bingo board for a chance to win a gift card from a local business in North Haven.

“The Bingo board format allows people to read, listen, or watch whatever they are interested in,” said Pearson. “Summer reading should be fun and rewarding. In addition to the incentives, we find that individuals who participate in our summer reading programs often gain a better understanding of the resources and services the library offers and continue to come in after the program is complete.”