Henderson may not have a public library, but the Heartland Community School libraries more than makeup for it. School is out, but the elementary library welcomes preschool and elementary students to come in out of the heat and check out some books in their air-conditioned library.
They kicked off their annual summer reading program last week called “In This Together,” which features everyone being a Huskie and reading together. Open library hours are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM – 12 PM for 6 weeks.
“It’s been a pretty good start this year,” said Elementary Librarian Mary Hiebner. “It’s great to have parents and kids come and go during the morning. We don’t have a scheduled story-time anymore, but it’s a more relaxed atmosphere now with either parents reading to their kids here or just hanging out while they look for more books to check out.”
The program is set up with incentives to keep kids reading. They receive a packet with weekly sheets to keep track of their reading minutes, and each week if they reach 100 minutes, they will receive a prize. Some other prizes for coming in each week are free books and a surprise grab bag.
“The final prize is a trip somewhere, but it’s kinda a secret yet,” said Hiebner. More details will be revealed near the end of the program.
James Janzen, a soon-to-be Heartland 4th grader, has been to the library both weeks it’s been opened and received prizes for finishing his 100 minutes of reading. “I just returned “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and a book about Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African-American female astronaut,” said James.
What’s no secret is that getting kids to keep reading during the summer can greatly enhance their school experience in the Fall. The Heartland Elementary Library is a very inviting space and well organized by grade level and types of books for preschool through upper elementary kids.
In addition to reading, the tables are set up with colors and age-appropriate coloring sheets and worksheets for kids to use. Make sure you take advantage of this rewarding program and keep your kids hooked into reading!
