Library summer reading programs are old—but not as old as dinosaurs. The American Library Association tells us that summer reading programs began in the 1890s to encourage school children to read during their summer vacations and to use their libraries, inspiring them to become life-long readers. It was the Librarian Eleanor Hebert who introduced summer reading programs into the Meekins Library about 45 years ago—and Williamsburg children and adults of all ages have been reading voraciously during the summers—and year-round—ever since. With quirky themes, a library full of books to read, cool activities, prizes—and the satisfaction of filling in every space on your reading log—summer reading programs are fun.
The summer of 1987 was a very exciting time at Meekins! That summer, dinosaurs roamed all over the Meekins grounds. Children’s Librarian Rochelle Wildfong made friends with the dinos—and the kids all made their own giant dinosaur eggs. And of course, there was a special dinosaur egg hunt, where our intrepid young archaeologists hunted for and dug out miniature dino eggs. Do you remember dinosaurs at the library and the hunt for those eggs?
Are you a summer reader? Do you have a favorite summer reading memory? Please share. And if you have not signed up for the 2024 summer reading program, come to Meekins to get your own reading log or reading bingo sheet to complete. Enjoy a good book on these hot days. Daria D’Arienzo, Meekins Archivist. #throwbackthursday; #tbt.
Posted to Facebook 7/18/2024
