Cowboys, Dragons, & Safaris at IIa Libraries

Cannon, CO. The two summer reading programs - Readiculous (a cooperative program with the State Library of New Mexico), for kids and Read Across Time for teens - had 250 registered participants for the programs that started May 28th. Participation in special events was great, especially for the magician and thesword fighting demonstration.At the grand finale party on July 31st, Lt. Coleen Foust, 27th Services Combat Support Flight Deputy Commander was on hand to present certificates and prizes.

Eglin, FL. Children at Eglin were part of a Safa-Read (safari), learning about the jungle and jungle animals. There were 146 kids registered in two age groups (5-8 and 9-12). Children had to read five age-appropriate books before the August 2nd awards ceremony. For one activity, Rangers from Camp Rudder's 6th Ranger Battalion brought snakes of nearly all species, venomous and non-venomous.

F.E. Warren, WY. Wyoming Tails and Trails was the theme for F.E. Warren Library's summer reading program-June 17-August 14. The 140+ children who participated got a special activity packet of staff-developed materials for their "trip" around the state. The trip was eight landmarks, each representing three hours of reading. Participants who made it to all eight qualified for the grand prize drawing. Staff supplemented the program with a weekly story time tied into the reading program in the Youth Center.

Langley, VA. Children could choose from three different reading programs. The CDC Reading Program, Your Backyard with the Rugrats, had children reading stories and doing crafts about ecology, environment, and animal life that you would find in the back yard. In the Diving for Books (sponsored by Barnes and Noble), children in grades 1-6 who read eight books could pick out a free book from a local Barnes and Noble store (up to two free books from May to August) The Bowling for Bucks program coordinated with the Bowling Center offered young readers free bowling games if they read five books. Participants were also entered in a drawing for cash prizes.

Malmstrom, MT. Working Dogs was the theme for this summer reading program. For the kick-off, a patron who was medically discharged after Desert Storm brought in her Service Dog and explained how her dog lets her know when a seizure is coming. Other programs included Therapy Dogs trained to offer comfort to hospital patients; MAFB's K-9 Unit, trained to sniff for explosives and drugs; Hunting Dogs that go on trips with outdoor recreation staff ; and Show Dogs (the presenter takes her Sussex spaniels to the annual Westminister Kennel Show).

Moody, GA. The Catch a Dragon by the Tale summer reading program at Moody was kicked off with an airman on base painting a dragon mural. During the progam, participants were treated to two storytellers, a theater group performance, visiting knights, and doing battle. There were 60 students formally enrolled in the program, but attendance at the events ranged from 30 to 106. The event culminated with the SVS Commander presenting awards and certificates.

Patrick, FL. Don't "Lion" Around This Summer, Make Tracks was an active summer reading program. There were 84 children participating in the program. They took an expedition through Brevard County Zoo (complete with an introduction to the Scarlet McCaw, right), visits from the reptiles like the non-venomous Florida pine snake and even Rosie, a Chilean Rose Tarantula.

Peterson, CO. Like Moody, the theme at Petersen was Catch a Dragon by the Tale. The program lasted from June 8th to July 27th with a total of 74 children participating. For each half hour of reading the children completed, staff added a spot to one of the seven dragon murals. The dragons ended up with a grand total of 2,674 Spots, equaling 1,337 hours of reading.

Vandenberg, CA. This summer reading program, Reading is Out of this World!, had 263 children registered, ages 3 to 13. The finale was held August 3rd in the Services Center Lobby because it has outgrown the Library. There were 150 children and parents attending the party. There was face painting, a outer space fishing game, Pepi the Clown, and prizes. Every child got a prize and a certificate. The 114 reading recordsturned in totaled 4,644 books read. The overall top readers were a brother and sister team with 223 books each.