Talk About Woodville: Library aiding readers pass the winter months
Reading has always been a huge part of my life. It started with sitting in a circle with my first grade classmates, each of us reading a sentence or two from one of the “Dick and Jane” books, then reading all of the stories in the third grade textbook ahead of the rest of the class, to rereading the cereal box at breakfast for the 27th time, because I didn’t want anything to spill on a library book.
As a kid, I looked forward to the local library’s annual summer reading club. I could read as many books as I liked; the chance to win prizes for doing so was just a bonus. I remember telling the teen volunteers a little about each book in order to receive contest entries, and I imagine a couple of those poor teens learned much more about Nancy Drew and Encyclopedia Brown than they ever cared to know.
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That may have been the same summer the librarian at the Point Place Library, Miss H, awarded me a book titled “The Blue Valentine” for reading the “hardest books.” Although it’s a little worse for wear, that book still sits on my bookshelf today.
Summer is still months away so the Woodville Public Library, along with the other branches of Birchard Public Library in Fremont, Gibsonburg and Green Springs, is helping readers of all ages to pass these colder months with a Winter Reading Challenge (WRC). “Experience the Magic of Reading,” the theme for this year’s challenge, starts this week and ends March 13.
The early literacy challenge for toddlers and preschoolers focuses on developing beginning literacy and learning skills through activity kits available at the library. Winter Storytimes at 10 a.m. Mondays also are a great way to foster a love of reading. (Storytimes are cancelled if there is no school due to the weather).
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The elementary challenge encourages children in kindergarten through sixth grade to track how many minutes they read in order to earn magic-themed brag tags. The goal is to read at least 20 minutes per day to reach a total of 20 hours by the end of the challenge. Special prizes are awarded for reaching both the 10- and 20-hour marks.
Secret codes are revealed throughout the program, which earn virtual badges as well as entries into drawings for books, coupons to local restaurants, and other prizes. Kids are also invited to submit book reviews to earn entries to win a hand-crocheted wizard gnome for Valentine’s Day. Book review forms are available at the library and on the library’s website at birchard.org/woodville.
Participants in the tween/teen and adult challenges will track the books they read for chances to win any of a variety of gift certificates.
Magic Trick Mondays, a virtual kids’ program each week at 4 p.m. on Woodville Library’’s Facebook page (@WoodvilleLibrary) provides a quick overview of that week’s programs and activities, book recommendations, how to do a simple magic trick and, of course, a secret code word.
Participants can register either individually or as a family at birchard.beanstack.org, by downloading the Beanstack app or by stopping by the library for a printed form.
While readers can participate in the reading challenge from the comfort of their own homes while wearing their fuzzy slippers and sipping hot chocolate, there are also a number of in-person programs on the schedule for anyone eager to venture out for a bit, as well as virtual programs for those that prefer to stay in and stay warm. Topics range from crafts to painting to book clubs, homemade living, and more. Programs for all four branches are listed on the library’s website at birchard.org/calendar.
Woodmore Cheerleading to hold barbecue
The Woodmore cheerleaders are holding a chicken barbecue fundraiser before the home basketball game against Otsego, 4-7 p.m. Friday in the Woodmore High School Cafeteria, 633 Fremont St, Elmore. Tickets are $11 each with dine-in or carryout options. To purchase tickets, contact any Woodmore cheerleader or email aconverse@woodmoreschools.com.
WYO registration open
The Woodmore Youth Organization (WYO) is now taking registrations for their summer baseball and softball programs. The 2022 season will run from April 9 until July 16. Cost for the first player per family is $75 for players age 8 and younger (beginner/t-ball) and $100 for players age 9 to 14, with a $25 multi-player discount for each additional player. Register online at woodmoreyouth.org by March 31.
Contact info@woodmoreyouth.org with any registration issues or questions.
Contact Rene Dix at 419-307-0914 or via email at rene.dix@email.com.
This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Talk About Woodville: Library aiding readers pass the winter months
