Plum and Oakmont Summer Reading Programs Have Something for Everyone

Children of all ages and adults can take a trip around the world this summer with the Plum Borough Community Library and Oakmont Carnegie Library summer reading programs.

The overall theme of the summer reading programs, which focus on different countries and cultures, is meant to inspire readers to travel the world and learn about global cultures.

“The themes, activities and events all relate to world cultures,” said Liz Kostandinu, Plum Borough Library’s children's outreach coordinator.

The program is separated into three different themes for different age groups. Children from infants to sixth grade will be experiencing “One World, Many Stories”; seventh-graders to twelfth-graders—or teen readers—are offered “You are Here”; and adults participate in “Novel Destinations.”

The themes were set by the Collaborative Summer Library Program, a group that works together to provide high-quality summer reading program materials for children at the lowest cost possible for their public libraries.

Participants do not have to stick to strictly books with these themes, though.

“We just want children and adults to read,” said Karen Crowell, Oakmont Carnegie Library’s youth services librarian. “For kids, it’s especially important they keep reading throughout the summer. It doesn’t matter the subject—just keep reading.”

Participants register online through the libraries’ websites and log the number of books read. Parents are encouraged to read to youngest participants—infants to kindergarteners—and record those books as well.

According to the CSLP, the children’s program’s goal is to prepare children for continued success through the development of early language skills. The teen program integrates differentiated literacy activities to motivate young adults to read and discuss books. The adult program encourages adults to experience the joy of reading while fostering a common family activity.

Summer activities also are planned at each library following the theme of world travel and cultures.

“We have many fun events and activities planned throughout the summer for all participants to learn about different places,” Crowell said. “We want this to be fun.”

Oakmont Carnegie Library is hosting events for children to learn about different countries with a craft and a snack, visits from an African drummer and members of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and an international tasting festival.

The library winds down the summer reading program with a finale party on Aug. 17 with a movie, popcorn and prizes—like an Oakmont Bakery gift card, a basket of art supplies, and coupons for free food at Applebee’s and McDonald’s. Participants receive a number of raffle tickets dependent on the number of books they read throughout the summer to use to win prizes at the finale party.

Plum Library is enhancing events already in place and bringing in the program’s theme as well as hosting new events.

“We try to relate the activities and events to the theme,” Kostandinu said. “It’s our mission this year to have events for all ages.”

Every Wednesday, Plum Library hosts "Afternoon Adventures," where children ages 6 to 12 take their passports to a different continent. Storytellers also are coming to the library to read about and discuss different cultures and travels.

The library also is having four special evening programs throughout the summer, including a celebration on July 28 to end the summer reading program. The library will be offering more activities for teens in the evenings and on Saturdays, including crafts and book discussions.

Participants at Plum Library are entered in a weekly drawing, and winners are chosen from each age group for prizes like free bowling at Nesbit's Lanes and free treats from Rita’s Italian Ice and Wendy’s.

Children who read 10 books get their name on a suitcase in the children’s section. For every 10 books after that, they receive a sticker for their suitcase. Ten books also equals one mile on the map in the children’s section.

“We’re going to see if we can read around the world,” Kostandinu said.

Anyone interested in registering for the summer reading programs can do so on the Oakmont Carnegie Library or Plum Library websites. Participants must register and bring their logs to the library when they visit. Registration for the program, which ends Aug. 20, is ongoing.

Both Kostandinu and Crowell are hoping people simply visit the library and keep reading throughout the summer.

“It’s important for everyone to keep reading,” Crowell said. “The program is so well received in our community, and we have wonderful families involved.”

Kostandinu agreed.

“We’re happy when people come to the library,” Kostandinu said. “We always welcome new faces. We’re looking forward to another great year with the summer reading program.”