Jefferson C-123 summer library program
Angie Lane, director of the weekly summer library program, reads with program kids. The program is from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Monday.
Jefferson C123 School District in Conception, has a fun and thriving summer library program.
The Jefferson summer library program meets 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Monday.
Angie Lane, a Conception resident who teaches 7-12 English at Jefferson, is organizing and directing the program.
Sue Swinford, former librarian at Jefferson, headed the program up previously but retired this past school year and is now employed as a part time librarian for the district.
“I helped Sue Swinford with the program before she retired. I was approached to see if I would be interested in organizing the program this year and jumped at the chance,” Lane said. “The summer library program is so important to promote early literacy and it’s a great way to see the kids and be involved in the community.”
Lane, with the help of resources left by previous directors, has designed a summer reading program based on weekly themes that are fun and enjoyable to kids 6th grade and under.
“Since I had assisted in the program, I had an idea of what the kids love to do and activities that were effective, creative, and fun for them,” Lane said. “We have a weekly theme and we read books that go with the theme and do an activity as well.”
Lane says that kids hear a lot of stories about the weekly theme and make connections through the activities they do.
“It’s so rewarding to watch them construct and listen to the conversations the kids are having about the books we just read.” Lane said. “The kids love the activities we do and I love getting to share with them my love for reading by organizing activities that allow students to think critically and problem solve.”
Lane emphasized the importance of kids reading over the summer to retain academic growth and build future learning and how Jefferson wants to partner with parents to make this happen.
“We want our kids to be life long readers and explore literature from a young age,” Lane said. “That’s why it’s so important for kids to read over the summer and we try to help parents keep their kids reading by offering an amazing selection for kids to choose from. “
Jefferson also has an extensive library so kids can check out books to read at home. Kids can choose 3 books a week during the library summer reading program.
Lane also wants the community to know that even if you do not live in the Jefferson C123 school district, you are welcome to join the summer library program.
“We welcome kids from all the surrounding communities to come join us,” Lane said. “We have around 20 kids a week and would love the program to grow.”
For more information about the summer library program, contact Jefferson C123 school district.