CURIOUS children have inundated the Mount Gambier Library recently as the facility holds its summer reading club program.
Library children’s services development coordinator Kelly Lynch said the national reading initiative encouraged the younger generation to read and immerse themselves in novels.
“Throughout the school holidays we are holding various workshops for children of all ages that integrate with the program,” Ms Lynch said.
“All of our activities are free and the kids are rewarded with prizes for reading books and entering competitions.
“We cater for the whole community and all workshops include a learning, creative, stem and an education aspect.”
Last Wednesday a Healthy Humans – Tweens workshop was held to educate children aged 12 and up about the five food groups and what a “healthier” lifestyle involves.
“All of the school holiday sessions have something to do with the summer reading club’s Curious Creatures theme,” Ms Lynch told The Border Watch.
“We have included a Healthy Humans Under 4, 8 and this Under 12 session which involved making caterpillars from celery, porcupines out of grapes and echidnas out of pears.”
“The healthy workshops encourage everyone to live a healthier lifestyle.”
Accredited practicing dietitian Megan Watt volunteered her time to run all three sessions.
“I think this workshop is a really good opportunity to have fun with fruit and veggies,” Ms Watt said.
“It is about exposing the children to different sorts of healthy food and what a serving of a food group looks like.
“This tween workshop involved us speaking about the five different food groups, a blinded taste test as well as preparation of the fruit to make watermelon pizza.”
Ms Watt said she would happily be involved in the workshops again if an opportunity arose.
“I think any health promotion among children is great and I am really passionate about it,” she said.
“These workshops in particular are education and fun and the children are learning in a safe environment.”
Ms Lynch said the reading program was “all about engaging with the community.”
“We would love to see families become more involved with the library,” Ms Lynch said.
“We have lots of things going on for kids of all ages as it is school holidays as well as a youth program for those over the age of 12.
“I try to partner sessions that benefit the community and involve local educators, health-providers, businesses and start-up businesses.”
Ms Lynch encouraged people of all ages to become involved in the summer reading club.
“The library is a very welcoming place and these workshops are the perfect opportunity to experience what the library has on offer,” she said.
“Our distinct point of difference is that all of our free activities all have a learning aspect involved.
“I would also like to remind people that some sessions require bookings but others are ‘drop-in’ sessions where bookings are not required.”
With over 300 children involved, the program Ms Lynch said the program had been a success.
“It is all about keeping the kids engaged over the long-summer break and I think our prize system really works,” she said.
“We often see a dip in reading progress over that time and school’s often have to start again and retrain.
“Last year we only had around 150 participants and now we have 300 which is really rewarding.”
Ms Lynch encouraged all community members to join the end-of-holidays party on January 24.
