CHESTERVILLE – A summer reading program for children ages 4 – 11 will be conducted at the Chesterville Center Meeting House this summer on Saturday mornings from July 9 to Aug. 13, according to co-sponsors from the Meeting House and a future community library in Chesterville.
The first such program to be offered in town, “Saturday Reading Program: Summer in Maine” will feature stories read aloud, story-related activities, and reading incentives, including books to borrow and reading prizes. The theme, “Summer in Maine,” will be reflected in stories that feature enjoyment of outdoor activities and opportunities around us.
“We’re very excited about this opportunity to reach out to the community and encourage the love of books by our kids,” said Erin Dyar, a representative of the library group and herself the mother of a 6-year-old book enthusiast. Meeting House board spokesperson Cynthia Stancioff added, “We think that in addition to being fun for everyone involved, a summer reading program like this is a great way to avoid the well-known problem of ‘summer learning loss’ that affects so many students.”
The program is offered free due to grant funds received by the non-profit Chesterville Center Union Meeting House from the Maine Community Foundation, according to Board President Carolyn Drugge. The funds are meant to assist with the development of collaborative community-building programs. “We’re very excited to see the Meeting House being used by children and this new non-profit library group. Every new use of the Meeting House brings us closer to our vision of the building being regarded as a community center.”
The Saturday Summer Reading Program will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays from July 9 to August 13. Chesterville residence is not required. Children under 4 are welcome if accompanied by an adult; children over 11 are welcome to help with the program. Adult volunteers interested in reading or assisting with supervision are also welcome.
To register a child or inquire about volunteering, call 778-3513 by June 23, or send an e-mail to chestervillelibrary@gmail.com. Information on the program is also available at www.chestervillemeetinghouse.org.
