For many years I took my 4 sons to the Summer Reading program at the library.
Then when they had children old enough, I took my grandchildren.
This year I took my granddaughter and her friend because as she says, “It’s tradition gram.”
She is right, it is tradition to spend 2 mornings a week throughout the summer at the library.
Over the years there have been many students and adults who have run and/or helped with the Summer Reading program.
This has given many youth the chance to work, and be involved with their community for the summer.
This year was no exception Kendal and Halle were wonderful role models for the students. They ran the program hands on, inviting, patient and creative. The children loved it and them!!
As adults, we know that when a child doesn’t read over the summer they lose some of the reading skills they have been taught throughout the school year.
The Summer Reading program gives each child involved the chance to not only retain what they have learned throughout the school year but continue to progress with their reading skills.
This is invaluable for each child and for our community.
This program helps each child continue on their education journey.
What community doesn’t want literate people in their midst?
I must also comment on the rest of the library staff who are also involved with this program.
They are there to answer questions, organize library memberships and sign out books and organize the Penny Carnival.
The Summer Reading program is truly a team effort!
I must admit that I don’t know who is on the Library Board but I would like to thank them for their continued support of this program.
They understand the importance of reading, community involvement and encouraging our youth to continue to develop their reading skills over the summer.
The Board understands that the youth of today will become our literate adults of the future and they care that our community is given this step up. With a government like the one we currently have, I have no doubt that they will get around to cutting funds to this program.
Government being what it is, and cutbacks being what they are, I hope that this Board and all their partners understand the value of this program and help to ensure that it is a program that stays offered in our community for years to come.
If funding becomes a problem then the Town of High Prairie, The MD of Big Lakes needs to help step up the library budget.
Our children are worth it!
Brenda Coulombe
High Prairie