Summer is in full swing at the South Central Regional Library's Winkler branch, and summer programmer John Burnabe is helping bring a whole new level of excitement to reading and learning.
Burnabe began in June and has already built lasting memories. "My most memorable thing working there right now is actually working at the workshops with the kids… building relationships and having fun with them."
He added, "With the program we're doing, I feel like it's really up there. It really helps motivate them to read."
Banana bucks and big prizes
The library’s summer reading initiative includes a unique rewards system called Banana Bucks. "Every hour they read, they redeem this currency we make called Banana Bucks," Burnabe explains. "They can buy stuff using those Banana Bucks—either tickets towards grand prizes… like a Nerf gun, stuffed animal, or even a series of books."
Kids can also purchase gummies, keychains, and more small treasures from the “general store” inside the library. "They are very picky of what they want at the general store. They're always wondering if they want to save up or spend it all out right away."
According to Burnabe, the incentive system goes beyond reading. "You should see the faces when we tell them, 'Oh sorry kid, you gotta read a little bit more and save up a little more for this one thing.'"
And for teens, the stakes are even higher: "We are offering a brand-new Nintendo Switch 2 for them," said Burnabe, clarifying the ages, "Thirteen to eighteen."
Workshops all week long
In addition to reading challenges, the Winkler branch is buzzing with workshops every day of the week.
"If the weather permits next week, I’m really looking forward to the one I’m running—making giant bubble workshops for the kids," Burnabe shares. "I hope to really have fun with the kids and show them how easy it is for them to make it at home too."
Other events include:
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Tuesday: Bookmark and backpack tag creations
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Wednesday: Jumping frog crafts following storytime
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Thursday: Jungle creature creations
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Friday: Teen games and movie event featuring Madagascar
Participation in workshops also comes with added benefits. "If they do attend, they immediately get a grand prize ticket just for simply showing up."
The bigger picture
Burnabe sees this all as more than just summer fun. “We want to encourage them to get back into reading,” he said. “Importantly, because it helps them learn and develop their language and skills… Reading comprehension is very important as an adult.”
As for his own reading inspiration, Burnabe shared, "I really loved [the book] Holes… and Hatchet—it’s basically a story about how this person manages to survive and uses his skills to live."
Stay connected
Families interested in joining the summer fun can register easily. "Basically they would just come to the library, we would sign them up—real easy—and we’d give them these paper logs and they just fill in the circles and that’s how they track their reading."
For the full schedule of events and registration info, visit the South Central Regional Library Winkler Branch Facebook page or website.