The kids from the West Island celebrated the end of the summer reading program of Pointe Claire’s Library with a get together featuring a bongo drums lesson taught by the Rhythm Exchange trio last Tuesday on the grounds of the library building.
The summer reading club of the Pointe Claire Library is a program that lasts all summer long and takes place every year. Children are encouraged to borrow books and read as much as possible. Librarian Jacynthe Blanchet believes there is more than one advantage to the program.
“It encourages kids to read during the summer. If you read in the summer, you are more productive when school starts. It also encourages them to read just for the fun of it. Often in school, all they get are mandatory readings whereas here, they read whatever they want,” she said.
To boost up participation, the library has a system of reward for avid readers. Each hour of reading gives the participant one ticket that gives him the chance to win prizes in a raffle including books, gift-certificates and entrance tickets to various museums in Montreal.
To celebrate the end of the summer program, the library had organized an outdoor party for children aged 3 to 12. Around 60 parents and children showed up. Liana Turner, a mother of a son and a daughter, was on location with the family. She thinks the summer reading club is a great stimulus for children.
“It’s a nice bonus to have a party to recognize children who like to read and encourage them to do so. I think it’s a great club because it shows children that you can also read outside of the school too. You can read anytime, even in the summer just for fun. My son will be in kindergarten in September. Although he doesn’t read yet, it’s nice to make sure that he knows that reading is something you can enjoy all your life,” said Liana Turner.
The Rhythm Exchange trio had brought enough bongo drums for every child and they gave the kids the chance to make noise. An African dance lesson followed. The three members of Rhythm Exchange were surprisingly able to control the kids and made them play along to several beats.
“I liked playing the bongo. I like making a lot of noise,” said five-year-old Benjamin Curis while taking a break from the activity.
Before the show, this year’s prizes were raffled by Lac St. Louis Federal MP Francis Scarpaleggia, City Councillor Aldo Iermieri and Director of culture, sports, leisure and social development Gary Malcom. Scarpaleggia makes a point to attend this summer party every year.
“I attend this event every year, not only in Pointe Claire but in Kirkland and Beaconsfield as well. I believe it is a very important program for the youth and for the community. I am here today to demonstrate how much I support this program and to encourage the youngsters. It’s pleasant to know that all of these kids spent an educative summer at the library,” he said.
