By Sarah Lingenfelter
Second place Grand Prize Teen winner Aliya Brown
NORTH FORK – The North Fork Library held their six-week children’s and teen summer reading program encouraging kids, preteens, and teens to read throughout the summer by participating in the positive influence of music.
The children’s program featured local music, diverse musicians and musical instruments from around the world, line dancing, fun with bubbles, and musical instrument crafts.
The teen program included guitar and marching drum lessons and a drum circle finale where everyone joined in to play various indigenous drums. The teen program was held in the North Fork Studio.
Joey Coon, Grand Prize winner in the 1st – 2nd grade category
The two programs were combined on July 22 at the North Fork Studio to enjoy Didgeridoo Down Under, a national program that offers the unique experience of listening to professional didgeridoo players while learning about diversity and respect for the environment.
The kids were also encouraged to read with weekly and grand prize incentives. The grand prizes were a LeapPad3 for the youngest group, a Dragon Touch Tablet for the next two older age categories, and a Kindle Fire for the teens.
Stevi Valenzuela posing with her handcrafted kazoo
Community member Jean Richter and local business Crossroads Recycled Lumber (located at the Old Mill Site) contributed the funds to purchase the grand prizes.
The winner of the LeapPad3, Ellie Johnson from the preschool to kindergarten age category, read a total of 1,655 minutes.
The 1st through 2nd grade winner was Richard “Joey” Coon with 1,753 minutes read for the whole summer.
Second place grand prize winner for the 1st – 2nd grade category, Kamilia Valenzuela
The 3rd through 4th grade winner read 6,193 minutes and the teen grand prize winner read a total of 5,645 minutes.
The North Fork Library Summer Reading Program would not be possible without the help of the Friends of the North Fork Library, dedicated volunteers, and local organizations and businesses who give to the program each year.
