Local Libraries Encourage Summer Learning

Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Sarah Winkelmann | WEAU

Altoona, Wis. (WEAU) -- Crafts, books and lots of learning are happening at local libraries this summer.

"We are always trying to get kids into the library has a lot more than books to offer," said Shelly Collins-Furbringer, the Eau Claire Library services manager.

Libraries throughout the Chippewa valley are hosting their own summer programs with a common theme of "Libraries Rock".

"When you put music with reading, especially songs, kids learn so much and that part of the brain where you have music component, memorize things and even simply sing the a-b-c's," said Regina Arndt, the Altoona Library youth services librarian.

The Altoona library looks quite different in the summer with a giant table going down the middle full of stem activities to keep kids engaged.
"It's more of a destination [in the summer] so when they come they can spend some time and of course check out some great books," Arndt said.

There are books for all ages and fun for the entire family.
"We come here every week, i do the adult reading program and she does the kid's program and we have friends that we meet here every week," said Mindy Peterson, a mom from Altoona.

For some of the older kids a trip to the library is all about the thrill of finding a good book. "I think it's fun because books take you into a world and you get to imagine the pictures, what they look like, where they live and all of that stuff," said 11-year-old Carly Borst.

But for the younger crow, the prizes are their favorite part of the day. 
"Doing the treasure chest," said four-year-old Esther Peterson.

With endless prizes, stories, projects and music the local libraries are hoping to keep kids busy this summer. "We want them to feel like this is their library and that there is something for them to do no matter how old they are," Collins-Furbringer said. 

Read more about this article »