Today our local library kicked off their summer reading game. Every year since we have been in St. Albert, The Kid and I have participated in the game. As a preschooler she played simple but fun games with helpful volunteers and then we would go and search for the books we were required to read for the game. Categories then included: a book about animals, a white book, a book about friends, and so on.
As she got older and moved up in the game world, the games got harder and she was introduced to new categories - science fiction, adventure, non-fiction and so on.
Each year the Library Staff choose a new theme and decorate a section of the library in the chosen theme, last year: mythical creatures, this year: iSPY: Secret Agents and Spies. I am amazed each year by the creativity and artistic ability that goes into these games.
Taking advantage of my temporary stay at home mom status I ventured down today on opening day with the neighbours son, R, in tow. Both kids had heard about the game from special library visitors to their schools, and chatted about which character they would be in the game and if they would play in English or French.
We arrived to find about six kids ahead of us in line (something I had not encountered previously, as a working mom we had always needed to come down after work and rarely came across a line). The kids were not worried about the line at all, they chatted more about the game and made a new friend. Sign up was speedy, and they were off.
They played their turns, chose their books, and happily wandered around looking for more books while I went upstairs to spin the wheel for the adult version of the reading game, Then we headed home. It was the quietest ride home ever. Both kids started reading as soon as they hit the car.
Then when we got home this happened:
That's right. They read for a good half an hour before deciding to go and run around.
Then later the words I never thought I would hear.
"Hey R, do you want to go read?"
Thank you, Library. You're the best.
Love it!
Posted by: Rachael | 07/04/2013 at 05:12 PM