For countless summers, the South Central Regional Library has organized a summer reading club aimed at kids aged 5-13 to great success. However, last year was the first year the library ran a summer reading program specifically for teenagers— Teen Reads. Along with the Bookland Explorers program, which is intended for kids under the age of 13, the summer is far from boring at any branch of the South Central Regional Library.
This year, both programs have seen registration increase from previous years, and along with it, interest in activites and workshops. John Burnabe, one of the programmers from the Winkler branch, ran and helped organize a scavenger hunt in the library last week Friday, July 25, for teenagers in the Teen Reads program.
A major incentive of the scavenger hunt was grand prize tickets for the teen program, tickets which give participants the chance to win a Nintendo Switch 2. “They had to find these plastic eggs hidden around the library” shared Burnabe. “I thought that was really fun for them... each egg they found, they got basically a ticket.”
The summer has seen a lot of highlights for Burnabe. “My favourite part right now is definitely working with all the kids and teens with the workshops and seeing their smiles” shared Burnabe. He’s enjoyed seeing “...all their fun creations they do in the workshops, like, whether it’s simple crafts or even going outside to blow giant bubbles.”
“I think that’s the joy of this job.” added Burnabe. “You know, it’s very hard, but I think it’s very rewarding.”
As for other programs coming up, the library will be far from a quiet place in the coming weeks. “We also have... more programs that we hope to do for the teens.” shared Burnabe. This lineup includes regular movie nights, an event which is seeking movie recommendations, added Burnabe. “We will see if we have the movie in the library so we can watch it with the teens... we really want to bring in more teens for this year, and all the programs.”
Curious about programs and events at the library? You can check out their Facebook and Instagram pages, but don’t be shy— “Even come to the library,” shared Burnabe. “we’ll be here to answer anything.”
Registration for the Bookland Explorers and Teen Reads summer reading programs ends August 1st.