Residents of Lorton, father Alejandro Pabon and children Alexander, 11, Alenette, 12, and Anthony, 7, picking out books for the summer challenge and the daily reading time they do each day with their father. Photo by Alexandra Tecco/The Connection
Lorton Library’s summer program is in full swing. Children sit at tables at the library, coupon books in hand, their summer challenge completed on Saturday, July 16. Yet in front of them books are still open and being read. In the center of the library is a multi-tiered display bookcase advertising the lesser known Adult Summer Reading Program and a collection of book suggestions.
“Each library has its own adult reading program,” explains Gari Plehal, Lorton Library branch manager. Consequently, they vary from year to year and library to library. Last year, Lorton’s adult reading program consisted of a BINGO card format. Participants would read a book that corresponded to the type of book listed in each square, Plehal says.
This year, for each book read, the adult reader fills out a form with their personal contact information, the title and author of the book as well as how the reader rates the book, bronze, silver or gold. There is an optional area to write a review. Everyone who participates receives an award, Plehal says.
For each book completed and form filled out, the adult reader receives a coupon for a free book from the Friends of the Lorton Library’s ongoing book sale. In addition, each form serves as an entry for a drawing at the end of the summer. The three winners will receive gift certificates provided by the Friends of the Lorton Library.
Lorton Library still participates in the county-wide Summer Reading Program. Each child signs up and reads books corresponding to their reading level and ability, as determined by their parent, says Plehal. Rewards for completion, like last year, are coupon books good for a variety of free and discounted items around the area.
“It’s rewarding,” say Alejandro Pabon while he helps his children find books that interest them. “It’s a good coupon book and when they’re out of school they keep the reading mindset,” he explains. His children, Alenette, 12, Alexander, 11, and Anthony, 7, participated and succeeded in completing the program last year.
“As a parent, the time they spend with me, I get involved in their education,” Pabon said. Every day he makes a dedicated reading time, each child reading their own book and then Pabon asking questions about what they read.
For those unable to physically visit the library, online registration is available for the youth Summer Reading Challenge. One of the lesser-known opportunities the library has to help adults and youth succeed during the summer reading challenge and throughout the year are e-books. “People don’t realize they can get e-books for free from the library,” says Plehal. Through the library website the book is checked out and then can be downloaded to a variety of devices. “There are e-books for every age, every genre and even audio books,” Plehal says, “and the book gets automatically taken back when it’s due, so no late fees.”
The summer adult and youth reading programs continue through Sept. 3. But Plehal stresses that their normal programs still continue throughout the summer -- storytime, computer/technology help classes, English conversation groups and others, as well as librarians trained as a resource to assist anyone find a book they’ll enjoy.