HENNIKER KIDS READ FOR A CAUSE!

by Lynn Piotrowicz, Director
Tucker Free Library, Henniker
(603) 428-3471
tuckerfreelibrary.org

Early this year staff members of the Tucker Free Library sat to discuss the summer reading program. Snowflakes mounted on the window sills, the furnace churned, and the director of the Tucker Free Library issued a challenge; to create a greener program that would bring about more global/environmental/societal awareness for our kids. We didn't want to buy plastic toys that would end up in the landfill, we didn't want to waste reams of paper on publicity/reading logs/certificates, and we wanted to do something the kids could be proud of and get a sense of accomplishment.

In lieu of the usual program enticements, library staff found the kids were motivated to read just to put a sticker on a chart that marked progress toward a goal. We created a "reading goalometer" a colorful graph that provided a space for individuals to mark progress toward a community goal.

Once we had our program goals firmly in place we shared our ideas with the Board of Trustees and our Friends group. Both groups quickly embraced the ideas and offered suggestions to make the program a success. We presented our Friends group with 3 options, they chose to support the project that would have the greatest impact: helping the town library of Henniker's sister city in Nicaragua. To create the global/environmental/societal awareness, the Friends of the Tucker Free Library pledged 20 cents for each book read to the town library in San Ramon, Nicaragua.

Motivated by the philanthropic and "green" nature of the 2008 summer reading program, staff members showed great creativity and support. A program design was created in-house and iron-on decals were placed on 100% organic t-shirts. To save paper, limited posters/handouts were printed and all staff members were directed to tell patrons to check-out the library's website for up-to-date details about the program and all activities. The activities arranged were prepared and facilitated by staff members, allowing everyone to flex their creative muscle!

A giant piggybank for stickers was created so kids could actually see a graphical representation of how much money they were collectively raising for their special project. The Friends set the goal at 2,500 books and the program would run from June 13th through August 30th. Henniker kids are reading at a record pace! On July 1st, the kids of Henniker have read 1,098 books, almost half-way to the goal in only 12 days!

The program started with our annual kick-off with a DJ on the front lawn after school. Various other activities were scheduled, two of which allowed for the kids to reach out to readers in San Ramon. These included an activity to make FREINDSHIP bracelets and artistic BOOKMARKS that will be sent to the library to share with our new friends! The activities portion of the program will conclude on July 18th with a performance by Illusionist Jason Purdy at 10:30 a.m. Kids will read until the Oinkometer is full or August 30th, whichever comes first!