To the editor: Whiting Library meets goal, holds Early Literacy activities

In the autumn of 2012, a community task force met at the Whiting Library to explore all aspects of library service, then settle on three main objectives: Early Literacy, Information Fluency and Lifelong Learning.

Our objectives for Early Literacy were established:
To create a positive association with books from the earliest age, model reading aloud and build community collaborations that send the love of reading beyond the library building.

The Whiting Library now offers weekly programs for all children on Saturday throughout the school year. We began offering story-time for birth to pre-school ages, but older kids really wanted to join. This popular craft and story-time is now open to all ages with emphasis on enjoyment of the written word, the beauty of picture book art with movement and craft mixed in. Our librarians also visit preschool classrooms as guest readers and will read to any child who asks.

Fizz, Boom, Read!  Summer Reading Program takes place throughout July with games and reading prizes. The summer events draw older children to hands-on art and science with great incentives, prizes and raffles and projects to take home. Children who read over the summer enter the school year better prepared than those who do not.

Our collaboration with Chester-Andover Elementary School has expanded,sharing their Vermont awards books with area children throughout the summer break. Thanks to the efforts of Theone Wallace, Frank Kelley, Shannon Thompson and a grant from Vermont Humanities Council, Vermont Reads includes Whiting Library patrons and students of CAES in reading and discussing Wonder by R. J. Palacio.

This is a statewide, one-book community reading program.  The library discussion of Wonder will be held at the library, 117 Main St. in Chester, at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13.

Sharon Tanzer
Director
The Whiting Library