CLARKS SUMMIT — Regan Allison, 8, earned a new title during her summer vacation — Super Reader.
She participated in the Abington Community Library Heroes Summer Reading Clubs, part of a nationwide themed library program.
“I liked reading this summer and becoming a Super Reader. I liked completing the activity sheet and going to the events, especially ‘Eating Like a Superhero,’” Allison, of South Abington Township, said.
As of July 31, Allison logged approximately 2,130 minutes, above and beyond the 1,500 minutes she needed to achieve the Super Reader level.
“Super Readers have the chance to win the big prize basket and every child gets a certificate and prizes,” said Laura Gardoski, head of youth services at the Abington Community Library.
The final day of the reading program is Friday, Aug. 7 and a celebratory “Heroes & Villains” family party will be held for the public at the library from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8.
Some of the activities planned are a free chance raffle to win a prize, face painting by Happy Faces, laser field obstacle course through the stacks, photo opportunities with a “Star Wars” villain from the 501st Legion, strategy games and puzzles, create-your-own superhero identity and comic strip, and food. Teens and adults can also get their caricatures drawn by artist Tom Harrington.
Gardoski said Allison is one of 535 kids who registered for the Summer Reading Clubs in that age category (up to sixth grade).
“The highest number ever,” Gardoski said.
Gardoski, Sandy Longo, library assistant director; Nancy Burke, assistant youth services; and Amanda Marchegiani, adult programming coordinator, organized the summer reading program.
Teens and adults also took part, and Longo estimates more than 75 children in grade 7-12 participated this year.
Although the theme was “heroes,” children, teens and adults could read whatever they wanted.
“They (the books) didn’t have to be on a certain subject like heroes or villains…,” Gardoski said.
To keep track of their minutes, she said, “Adults and teens simply turned in a Quick Rate slip for every book read for the chance to win a raffle basket. Children may turn in their reading logs to receive their certificates and prizes for completing the Summer Reading Club. However much they read through the summer is great. At the end of the summer we can see how many minutes everybody read.”
Gardoski plans to compile a list of favorite titles read by participants after the reading program.
“Readers can write down the name of their favorite books they read this summer and their age, so after the reading club, I can print a list of what everybody liked and the recommended age,” she said.
A few of the books Allison read include “The Magic Tree House,” “Dairy of a Wimpy Kid,” “Judy Moody” and the “Horrible Harry” series.
“Summer required reading and fiction are always the most popular; a few favorite authors for recreational reading include John Green, Ransom Riggs, E. Lockhart, and Sophie Kinsella,” said Longo.
To register for the party, call 570-587-3440 or visit the library at 1200 W. Grove St., Clarks Summit.
