Take a look at our July newsletter!
JULY 2023
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Reading Fun in the Sun!
Ah, the long, slow days of summer are finally here! The pools are open, the campgrounds are thriving, and the sun hangs low in the sky until late in the evening. I have lots of wonderful memories of my childhood summers, but my favorite warm-weather memories are of summers spent with my children when they were young. And at the top of the list of summertime memories with my kids is the Summer Reading Program at the Mansfield Richland County Public Library. My family moved to Mansfield when my kids were 6 and 2, and one of the first area attractions we checked out was the library. The wealth of library resources available in a town this size was wonderful, but the absolute gem was the summer reading program. We’d drive over to the library straight from the pickup line on the last day of school each year to sign up. The library always selected fun themes; planned interesting events, crafts, and speakers; and made sure there was plenty of incentive to keep coming back. At the start of the program, each of my boys was given a large card with his name on it, which was kept in the children’s section of the library. On each return visit, the kids would have to search for their cards in the alphabetically organized boxes (a nice way to sneak in a little extra brain work!). Then they’d turn in their reading slips. These were small pieces of paper (just a little bigger than a bookmark) with fun pictures that kids could color as a way to track their reading time in 15-minute increments. Any reading was fair game: “Curious George,” “Magic Tree House,” “Nate the Great,” “Clifford the Big Red Dog,” and “Arthur” are just a few that I remember fondly. Even out-loud reading time with a parent counted!
The coolest part of the program, though, was at the end, after all the required slips had been completed. When the final reading slip was turned in, the card was marked complete.
Signing up for the 2008 Summer Reading Program
Then the young readers were allowed to choose one brand-new book from a nice variety of titles on a special shelf. My kids would take forever picking out their final prize book, but I never minded, because that was the great payoff! Once the book was chosen, the library staff member would take out an adhesive nameplate, write in my child’s name, and affix it to the inside cover of the book. To top it off, the staff member would clap and yell out, “Congratulations!” My kids would stand there blushing but still beaming with pride. To this day, we still have each and every one of these special prize books at home. Experts will tell you that encouraging kids to read over the summer keeps their minds active so they don’t lose ground while school is out. But I have to confess that we didn’t do the reading program every summer for that reason. We did it because it helped my kids feel independent and gave them a goal to work toward. We did it because it made them feel genuine pride when they finished the program. And we did it because it was FUN. The program may have changed a little since my kids were young, but I guarantee you that it still helps kids feel independent and proud. And I’m 100% sure it’s still super fun. The educational benefit? That’s a bonus.
Every week, my kids turned in a slip and picked out a small prize (like a beanbag, a slap-bracelet, or a bouncy ball). It’s surprising how much pleasure they got from choosing their own prizes! While we were at the library, we’d always work in some extra fun by checking out the aquarium and “treehouse” in the kids’ section and by selecting some more books to take home.
The program runs until the end of July, so consider checking it out. Oh, and there’s a reading program for teens and adults, too! Happy reading!
-Melanie
July 2013 Scavenger Hunt!
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THE LIBRARY BOOKMOBILE BRINGS THE LIBRARY TO YOU!
The Bookmobile is a library on the go that allows the library to engage with patrons beyond its buildings. The Bookmobile is part of the library’s community outreach department with particular emphasis on visiting neighborhoods where residents may have difficulty finding the time or transportation to get to a library building. The Bookmobile visits area schools, neighborhoods, and local events, bringing its own collection of library materials for all ages. The Bookmobile is an additional resource that Mansfield Richland County Public Library uses to achieve the goal of providing our community with services and materials to increase the quality of life for all.
You can get a library card, pick up holds, return materials, and check out books, DVDs, and video games for all ages on the Bookmobile. The Bookmobile makes regular stops in Greenwich, Mansfield, Ontario, and Plymouth-Shiloh. You can find a full listing of the Bookmobile’s upcoming stops on their website at MRCPL.org/bookmobile . Friends of the Library Evergreen Bookshop The Evergreen Bookshop is a resale bookshop managed by volunteers from the Friends of the Library. The bookshop is located at 37 N. Walnut Street (corner of 3rd and Walnut Streets) right near the main branch of the Mansfield Public Library. The funds from the bookshop provide financial assistance by supplementing the library’s income to purchase specific equipment and materials for library use. As a longtime Friend of the Library, attorney Melanie Fahey loves to volunteer at the bookshop whenever she is able. There are lots of great books available for very low prices.
Friends of the Library
You can be a Friend of the Library, too! Individual membership is only $3 annually, and a family membership is $5. There are lots of membership benefits, including quarterly newsletters, volunteer opportunities for special library activities, and presale admission to the bookshop on Thursday before each public sale starts on Friday.
Inspiration Corner: Rachel Brown
Mansfield is lucky to have librarian Rachel Brown at the Mansfield Richland County Public Library. Rachel earned her degree in library science from Wayne State University in Detroit. After working for three years in adult reference at the Tiffin Seneca public library, Rachel returned to her hometown to work in the children’s section of the main branch in Mansfield. Rachel loves spending time with the kiddos helping them to select books and reading to them at storytime. During the school year, Rachel makes visits to classrooms and day care programs. Summer is an especially busy time at the library with the Summer Reading program. This year’s theme is “All Together Now.” In the first week, more than 200 kids signed up to participate!
Two of Rachel’s favorite children’s books are “Strictly No Elephants” by Lisa Mantchev and “Thank you, Omu!” by Oge Mora. Rachel also loves Winnie the Pooh! We are inspired by Rachel and all librarians who play a vital role in helping people access information, promote lifelong learning, preserve our cultural heritage, and advocate for information access. One of Rachel’s favorite quotes is from Winnie the Pooh: “Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”
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A FEW NEW BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHILDREN AND TWEENS
For Children “The Last Cuentista” by Donna Barba
For Tweens “The Parker Inheritance” by Varian Johnson: This mystery novel follows four siblings as they uncover the secrets of their family’s past. The siblings must solve a series of puzzles and riddles in order to find a hidden treasure that could change their lives forever.
Higuera: This magical realism novel tells the story of a young girl named Alma who is gifted with the power of storytelling. When her village is destroyed by the U.S. Army, Alma sets out on a journey to find a new home and share her stories with the world.
“The Last True Poets of the Sea” by Wendy Mass: This contemporary fantasy novel tells the story of a young girl named Pip who can talk to animals. Pip sets out on a journey to find a mythical island where she believes she can save the world from destruction.
“The Penderwicks at Point Mouette” by Jeanne Birdsall: This charming novel is the third in the Penderwicks series and follows the four sisters as they spend the summer at the beach with their aunt. The girls have all sorts of adventures, including a treasure hunt, a mermaid sighting, and a run-in with a grumpy old neighbor.
“The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie: This semi-autobiographical novel tells the story of a young Native American boy named Junior who leaves his reservation to attend a white high school. Junior struggles to adjust to his new life and deals with racism, bullying, and self-doubt.
“The Day You Begin” by Jacqueline Woodson: This powerful picture book is about the importance of being seen and accepted for who you are. The book follows a young girl named Maya as she experiences her first day of school and learns to embrace her uniqueness.
These are just a few of the many great new books that have been released for children and tweens, so grab a book and let your imagination run wild!
DIRECTIONS
It’s blueberry season, so treat yourself to a batch of these blueberry muffins. Mashing a half cup of the berries and adding them to the batter produces a very moist muffin that stays fresh longer. INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter at room temperature • 1 1/4 cups plus 3 tsp sugar, divided • 2 eggs • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract • 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour • 1/2 tsp salt
Best Blueberry Muffins
1. Preheat the oven to 375 F, then wash, drain, and pick over blueberries. 2. With an electric mixer, cream butter and 1 1/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla. 3. In a bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder, and add to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk. 4. Crush 1/2 cup blueberries with a fork and mix into the batter. Fold in the remaining whole berries. 5. Line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners and fill with batter. Sprinkle remaining sugar over the tops of the muffins and bake at 375 F for about 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out just clean. 6. Remove muffins from tin and cool for at least 30 minutes. Store uncovered, or the muffins will be too moist the second day — if they last that long!
• 2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 cup whole milk • 2 cups blueberries, divided
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INSIDE THIS EDITION
1 Reminiscing on the Summer Reading Program 2 Become a Friend of the Library! Recognizing Rachel Brown’s Hard Work 3 Summer Reading Recommendations for Kids and Tweens
Best Blueberry Muffins 4 2023’s Best Beach Reads
Books for the Beach: Our Summer Reading List
Summer is here, and that means it’s time for beach reads! Here are a few newly released books that are perfect for relaxing by the water. “The Darlings” by Hannah McKinnon: This suspenseful novel follows a family as they gather at their beach house for a wedding. When a secret from the past is revealed, things quickly spiral out of control. “My Magnolia Summer” by Victoria Benton Frank: This heartwarming novel is set in the South Carolina Lowcountry and tells the story of three generations of women who come together to save their family’s beloved camp. “Carrie Soto Is Back” by Taylor Jenkins Reid: This sequel to the New York Times bestseller “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” follows Carrie Soto, a retired tennis star who comes out of retirement for one last shot at glory.
“Hook, Line, and Sinker” by Tessa Bailey: This romantic comedy is the follow-up to the popular novel, “It Happened
One Summer.” In this book, Hannah Bellinger crashes with her best friend, a king crab fisherman, while she’s on a break from her job. “Meet Me at the Lake” by Carley Fortune: This romantic comedy follows Fern Brookbanks, a woman who can’t stop thinking about the handsome stranger she spent an adventurous 24 hours with in her early twenties. When she runs into him again years later, she’s determined to find out if there’s anything more between them. These are just a few of the many great beach reads that have been released this year. So grab a book, a towel, and a good sunscreen, and enjoy your summer!
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