While some might assume the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library would slow down once the school year starts to wrap up, the thriving summer reading program makes the large building on Old Country Road a popular location when the weather heats up- and perhaps never more so than on the day of the carnival, the official kickoff to the summer reading season. This year, the Second Annual Summer Reading Carnival on Sunday, June 5 drew hundreds to the grounds of the library for two hours of good old-fashioned fun.
While the children were occupied with carnival games, moon bounces, funhouse mirrors, an obstacle course (new to the carnival this year) and other activities, plenty of families leisurely stretched out on the grass and enjoyed the beautiful weather as well. Others watched a performance by special guest Candy the Clown. Meanwhile, volunteers from the Friends of the Library sold water to keep everyone hydrated on the hot, sunny day.
“The carnival was as successful this year as it was last year- and even more so, because we doubled the number of registrations from last year,” said library director Gretchen Browne. “And that’s what it’s all about- getting kids excited about joining the summer reading program.” Browne went on to say that the library could not have been more pleased with the way the event turned out.
Of course, the real heart of the summer reading program- sitting down with some Curious George, Katie Kazoo, The Magic Treehouse or Harry Potter- is yet to come. Now that the children are motivated, who will triumph this year- will Pasadena Elementary School win the Summer Reading Trophy for the third year in a row? Or will students from other schools out-read the defending champions? As we did last year, the Plainview-Old Bethpage Herald will report the results of the contest at the end of the summer.
So to all the young readers out there: on your bookmark, get set, read!
For more information about the summer reading program, including how to register, visit the library’s website at www.nassaulibrary.org/plainv/.
