‘Reading and Play’ times every Saturday
By Loreen Berlin
Remember when libraries were quiet places to read and not talk?
Libraries are different now. There are a lot of new programs at the Buena Park Library District for all ages; special needs and help with homework.
And there are computers for adults to use and AWE computers in the Children’s Room that are programmed with educational games and information for younger children such as writing and computer skills, math and problem-solving, science and nature, social studies and geography, along with reading, words and phonics; reference and music and art.
Every Saturday, downstairs, there is, “Wiggle, Read and Explore” for children with special needs; registration is required. The children are even shown how books are checked-in at the library.
At 11 a.m. on Saturdays children accompanied by a parent are read picture books and join in activities suggested by the book; after that, soft and safe toys are brought out for children to have play time and to also use Play Dough and make paper crafts.
Now through Wednesday, Feb. 28, there’s an exciting “Read to Me A – Z” program for non-reader children six years old and younger with a parent, caregiver or guardian.
Here’s how it works: Parents select a picture book from the library for their child, for each letter of the alphabet; start with any alphabet letter; then for each book read, write the author’s last name next to the corresponding letter on the special form and when all 26-alphabet letters are completed, take the list to the Children’s Room and collect the child’s reading prize.
Youth Services Librarian Mary Ivelia said reading out loud to a child creates a special bond that stimulates a child’s brain development and that children learn to read more readily when they are read to on a regular basis.
Other areas credited with reading out loud to children include improving a child’s ability to listen, lengthens a child’s attention span, builds their vocabulary and that stories help children understand that events happen in an order of first, next and last.
“Children who complete the program not only choose a prize from the treasure chest, but their grown-up will be entered into a drawing to win four Knott’s Berry Farm tickets,” said Ivelia
The Buena Park Library District is located at 7150 La Palma Ave, in Buena Park. Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For library information, call 714.826.4100 or visit www.buenaparklibrary.org.
