Jennifer Nelson’s three kids got a start on summer reading Saturday — as well as a spot in a weekly skateboarding program.
That was the point of an event held at the Stetson Branch Library on Dixwell Avenue.
Stetson kicked off a summer reading program aimed at keeping kids busy and productive while school’s out.
“I am seeing what types of workshops of workshops they have for the kids. One of my daughters needs extra help on her reading,” said Nelson (at center in above photo)
Focusing on “STEAM” (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) the library aims to encourage summer reading for all children up to the age of 18. Kids who read the most will be eligible to win prizes.
“It’s all about the community, it’s about not always being inside the library but coming out. We have to meet the kids where they are at,” said Stetson’s Librarian Diane X. Brown.
Brown ‘s motto is “teach the while they’re young.” She said the summer-reading program is part of a broader array of “STEAM” events for hundreds of New Haven children ranging from science projects to spelling bees.
At Saturday’s event, Stetson also formally dedicated new book-shaped bike racks that arrived at the library two weeks ago. (Click here to read about that.)
Sisters Ayah and Qamarah Eldridge, ages 15 and 10, enjoyed the various activities of the library and signing up for summer reading.
“I didn’t know it was happening, I was walking and I seen them setting up and came over,” said Ayah Eldridge, 15, who attended the event along with her sister Qamarah. Ayah, who begins attending Amistad High School as a freshman this fall, chose the book If I Stay by Gayle Foreman.
Leeshialaya Maloee came with her friend Angel Evans.
“I just came over here. I come over here almost every Saturday,” Angel said.
“We were at the tables and signed up for summer reading,” said Maloee.
Evans and Maloee both chose Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kiney.
