Boys and Reading

I recently attended a workshop on the topic of boys and reading. The presenter, Michael Sullivan is a former children's librarian and library director. He shared with the group many of the studies that have been done comparing boys and girls reading - both in choices and abilities. The audience was made up of public librarians, school librarians as well as teachers and prinicipals. Everyone is searching for ideas and answers about why it seems for a majority of boys that reading comes so difficultly or even though they can read very well they choose not to. He didn't have cut and dried answers, but he shared many insights and gave us some fabulous resources. He talked about the sense of humor and inquisitiveness about how things work that engages many boys. Nonfiction is often their genre of choice although we as adults seem to be stuck on insisting that they read fiction. One of my favorite suggestions was that you try to pair an activity and a book. We have pushed this in several activities we have provided - explore a subject in a book and then go and try to experience it in another fashion. This is a quote that hit home for me having three brothers and a father that did very little reading as I was growing up; "Engage a boy's hands and his mind will follow." In the next few weeks I will  be putting together a list of some of his suggestions. I have already ordered some additional titles. Unfortunately, some of his suggestions are out of print but the good news is they are available through our Prairie Cat system.

Be sure to stop in the library to pick up a list or have a conversation with one of the youth services staff members. We'll be happy to help you locate some great choices for your child.

Toddler/Preschooler Reading Program: Discover the Treasures in Reading

We are always looking for ways to connect our youngest readers and their families to literacy. We have discovered that providing a reading program just for them has been a big hit the past few years and we are pleased to announce the theme for our 2009 program. Discover the Treasures in Reading will give us the opportunity to share some "gems" with our young patrons throughout the month of October. Registration begins on October 5 and the program will conclude on October 31. Stop by to pick up a reading log (beginning on the 5th) to keep track of the books you read aloud to your child. Be sure to return with your completed log by October 31 to be guaranteed a reading award - a new book! Sponsored by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.

Upcoming Programs

Hey kids! Martha the talking dog is coming to the Library! Join us for our "Martha Speaks" program on Tuesday, September 15 from 4-5 p.m. For those of you unfamiliar with Martha, she is the star of the books by Susan Meddaugh and also of her own PBS show (4 p.m. on WQPT). Staff from WQPT will join us in presenting this event. Participants will have the opportunity to have their picture taken with Martha (don't forget your cameras!), listen to one of her tales, make a simple craft and try a few activities. No registration is required but the program is geared toward kids ages 4-7. 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.

Toot! Toot! Fun with Thomas the Tank Engine

It seems like we get multiple requests for the Thomas the Tank Engine books every day. I know we have tons of fans out there, so when I came across this site I definitely wanted to share the information. The website is actually Random House Publishers, but they have many games and activities for children - Thomas is just one of them!

Plan to spend some time with Thomas and Friends at
http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/thomas/activities.html.