Haven’t you always wanted to be a mad scientist? The perfect opportunity to live that wacky dream has just landed at the St. Albert Public Library but you’ve only got two months to act.
The Summer Reading Program is here again with a different version for children and teens. Even older visitors can get in on the action with the new adult reading program.
This year’s theme is to get readers to reinvent their habits. Every player is encouraged to pick out a book from a different genre or author as a way of stretching their legs, so to speak. Each time players finish a turn it gives them a chance to win a prize.
Christina Braben has been involved as a programmer for four years. She credits the creativity of each summer’s new children’s program and the fun atmosphere to work in.
“Everyone is just super friendly and great to work with,” she said.
Teen participants will have the chance to get into character. They will have the option of playing online and posting book reviews for the Teen Reading Club (found at www.TeenRC.ca) or getting into the action at the library itself. Doing either earns entries into the draw for a digital camera.
The Mad Lab is for children in grades 1 to 6, with a special section for preschool readers and francophone members. The program room at the library has been specially decorated with different sections to keep all of the youngest readers’ minds interested and engaged.
Braben, a St. Albert resident and recent education graduate at the University of Alberta, said the program is a great experience for participants and programmers. She was never a player herself so she’s using this opportunity to make up for what she missed in her youth.
“I’d always heard about it and then we’d go away in the summer. I thought that I wouldn’t have time to play.”
Braben added it doesn’t matter if kids take family vacations and miss out on some of the action. “They still have time to play, even if they are going away.”
The major emphasis should be on playing. Even Braben herself gets to wear wings to work. Most children are enthusiastic when they come through, but it isn’t always the case.
“Usually they’re not being dragged in,” she laughed. “Usually they will see how much fun it is.”
The games run until Aug. 16. Call 780-459-1530 or visit the library at St. Albert Place to get started. Learn more online at www.sapl.ab.ca.
