|
A PAGE IN DUE TIME WITH JEFF WATSON, HEAD LIBRARIAN
ROANOKE RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Roanoke Rapids Public Library has just completed its annual Summer Learning Program at the end of July and I was pleased with the efforts of our readers. Those who submitted reading logs read 285 books for a total of 10,170 minutes, which would encompass over 1 week of consecutive of reading time. 24 participants read at least 3 books or more than 120 minutes. Our program had five events culminating with a closing ceremony on Friday, July 28. I acknowledged sponsors, volunteers and readers and presented trophies with prize bags to all readers present. Our guest speaker was Derrin Mallory, a former Summer Learning Program reader who gave an inspiring speech about the importance of reading and how reading helped him overcome a personal crisis. I was glad to see Derrin relate to the readers of our program as a student himself. His remarks served as a motivation for his audience to engage in reading.
Looking ahead, the Library Staff and the Friends of the Library are preparing to host an Open House at the Library on Monday, August 21, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. The Library Staff will offer tours and have information about various programs and volunteer opportunities. Our Open House will center around three events. Dr. Frank Davis will serve as guest reader for a Family Reading event at 4:30 pm. A Family Reading Event involves reading a story aloud to an audience. There will be activities for children after this reading. At 5 pm, Jeffrey Hamilton from the State Library of North Carolina will bring a variety of electronic devices for people to see and touch while speaking on the Library’s digital collections including e-books and downloadable audio books. This session will be in the conference room. At 5:30 pm, Leah Brewer and Elle the Therapy Dog will be in the juvenile room for children to visit and read aloud. Ms. Brewer will read stories that has Elle as a character in the books. Library Staff will be on hand to register or renew library cards. The Friends of the Library will have light refreshments available. The Friends of the Library are continually looking for new members. Officers will be present if you are interested in learning more. The Open House is an event you will not want to miss. Call the Library if you would like more information.
The Library seeks to be an integral part of our diverse community by encouraging reading, lifelong learning and community engagement and by providing opportunities to connect, learn and grow. With this mission in mind, the Library wants to offer programming for all ages that fosters lifelong learning. I have two questions. First, do you have a program idea that you would like for us to offer? I am looking for programs that would occur on a monthly or quarterly basis. Secondly, are you interested in volunteering to lead a program? If so, contact me at the Library. The Library Staff will assist in promoting programs to the public. I want Roanoke Rapids Public Library to be a library that encourages personal discovery in many fields of interest. If you have an idea or are willing to help, I hope you will contact me.
As school resumes, the library has resources for class assignments in print and online. Computers are available for research and preparing assignments. Be sure to have a Roanoke Rapids library card or update it with a valid ID if you already have a card with us. Reading open the mind and heart to the world around you and enables you to reach for the sky. Until next time, the Roanoke Rapids Public Library continues to offer collections, connections, and community all for you.
|
