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Summer Reading Program coordinator Merri Fernandez hands a prize to Brittany Anderson, 2, during the Summer Reading Program Wrap Up Party at the Base Library here Saturday for completing the most books during the duration of the program in her age category. The program is put on every year as a way to encourage kids to be lifelong readers, according to Fernandez.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Trevino

Summer Reading Program wraps up with 'Pirate' party

12 Aug 2006 | Lance Cpl. Ryan Trevino Marine Corps Base Hawaii

This year’s Summer Reading Program, coordinated by Marine Corps Community Services here, and the Base Library, officially came to end Aug. 12 during an official Wrap Up Party held in the Reading Room of the library. The festivities began at 1 p.m. and ended at 2 p.m.

During the party, certificates of completion were handed out to program participants who completed at least one reading log during the summer months. A book drawing and give away, using books donated by library patrons, was also held during the event.

The Summer Reading Program is geared toward encouraging children, from infants to 18 year olds, to become more active readers, according to Program Coordinator Merri Fernandez, MCCS. Even if the child is too young to read for his or herself, the parents or older siblings of that child are encouraged to read to them as much as possible. According to Murray Visser, head librarian, if children have positive reading experiences when they are young, then they are more likely to become lifelong readers.

“We hope to instill a love of books that will stay with them the rest of their lives,” said Fernandez. “We want children to realize reading is not a chore, it’s a great adventure.”

“The earlier a child starts to read, the better student they will be later in school,” added Visser.

MCCS decided to play on the phrase, “reading is a great adventure”, by declaring this year’s theme, “Voyage to Bookaneer Bay.”  Keeping with the pirate theme, the children were given a treasure map used to keep track when and what they read during the passing weeks, according to Fernandez.

“Each week they put a sticker on their map and were then able to choose a prize from our treasure chest,” she added.

McDonalds of Hawaii, the program’s sponsor, also chipped in and provided the children with coupons, good at participating McDonalds, as an added incentive to read.

According to Fernandez, the reading requirements for completing a reading log depended on the child’s age and reading ability. Young children needed at least 15 books read to them, she explained, and the older children were required to read a certain amounts depending upon their grade level.

Prizes were awarded to the top readers in five age categories, which included: 0 - 3, 4 - 6, 7 - 9, 10 - 12, and 13 - 18.

Now in the program’s 15th year, participation is at an all-time high with more than 200 children signing up for the program, declared Fernandez.

“I really enjoyed our theme this year, and I’m already looking forward to next year’s program.

For more information on the Summer Reading Program and other events contact the Base Library at 254-7624.

Marine Corps Base Hawaii