Entertainer Drew Desjardins of Mr. Drew and His Animals Too puts on a show for Lewiston Public Library reading program participants. Submitted photo

The Lewiston Public Library’s Summer Reading Program recently ended.

The program, which ran from June 27 through Aug. 13, provided all ages with reading logs that also served as bookmarks. Participants could log reading time combined with other activities such as signing out a state of Maine park pass or signing out a nature backpack filled with educational activities on the topics of birds, wildlife and plants. The backpacks were provided by the Maine Audubon Society.

“Adults were part of the enrichment and fun too. Not only did they complete more reading logs than last year but also enjoyed book discussions with ReadME in partnership with the Maine Humanities Council; listened to the musical stylings of New York Blues Hall of Fame inductee Marc Blac; and learned about community solar, whales of Maine, and first amendment rights in the modern age,” said Children’s Librarian Sara Turner, according to a news release from Dottie Perham-Whittier, community releations coordinator at Lewiston City Hall.

“Every person has different learning styles, and we want to provide accommodations for more than just reading. It’s about experience, it’s about engagement, and educational enrichment in many learning forms. We want a connection with the Lewiston Public Library to be safe, a place where people feel accepted, and a place where they are understood.”

Mayor Carl Sheline shared his enthusiasm of how Read, Make, Explore reached community members. “The Library is a cornerstone of our city, and I’m proud of the programs that Sara and the Children’s Department have developed for all ages this past summer,” he said.

In addition to in-person activities with an Ocean of Possibilities theme, the program provided educational presentations; a magician and puppeteers; lecture talks and crafts for adults; and learning enrichment programs about sharks, cephalopods, and the importance of keeping the environment clean. Participants also visited with entertainer Drew Desjardins of Mr. Drew and His Animals Too in Kennedy Park.

Turner adds that Tree Street Youth also visited the library each week over the summer, which provided youth with access to various activities, books, and interaction with Library staff. The relationship with Tree Street Youth is expected to continue into the fall.

To be sensitive to the time and possible transportation and language barriers for parents/guardians to bring children to the library, Turner also brought the summer reading program to each Lewiston elementary school where 21st Century and Early Promise Education summer camps were being hosted. She said that at the end of the program she rolled in carts of books to give away.

“Seeing the smiles spread across each child’s face as they selected a book was worth the effort. There’s nothing like receiving a brand new book as your very own, especially if you’ve only had used books. Even in these small moments, you never know how it can impact a child’s life,” said Turner.

The Children’s Department gave away over 400 new books this summer.

Library Director Marcela Perez echoed the mayor’s sentiments, “Mainers love to take full advantage of summers, so Lewiston Public Library staff work hard to offer programming that engages community members of all ages in a season of joyful learning and enrichment. We hope that through the Library’s Summer Reading Program each year, kids, teens, and adults will use their extra time to challenge themselves to learn new skills, meet others with similar interests, and celebrate our community of learners.”

Additional creativity at the library continued throughout the summer with Lewiston High School 21st Century teens weekly utilizing the teen space, and the Teen Tabletop RFG Program, which will continue into the fall, brought many new teen patrons into the teen space. In addition, library staff and teen volunteers also hosted story times within the community, and the teen space was also a popular venue for teens and families to play games, read, watch movies, do crafts and stay cool.

For more information, visit lewistonmaine.gov.

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