By Mary Ellen Zangara Special Writer
The summer reading program at the Manville Public Library “Catch the Reading Bug” was another successful program for the 40 students who spent their Mondays at the library reading, having fun and learning about bugs.
The program was shorter this year only five weeks compared to the eight weeks due to the carpet at the library being replaced.
With 40 children signed up for the program, usually each week about 20-25 attended the 45-minute sessions.
Each week the children made a different bug related craft such as a buggy buck wallet, a bug catcher, buggy paddle ball game and a fly swatter.
Special programs like “Insectropolis” and beekeeper Earl Rowe gave the participants an inside look at some bugs. As take home activity, participants were given a paper bag filled of different craft supplies to make a bug out of.
Children’s Librarian Ruth Bielanski said this year’s program again was a success.
”I think it really went over well this year. They really liked the bug theme,” she said.
Ms. Bielanski also felt this theme was more popular than the past summer reading themes. Highlights of the program included the “Insectropolis” presentation the children liked the real bugs.
Ms. Bielanski said Mr. Rowe’s beekeeping presentation complete with live bees (contained) was also a favorite. “He gave out honey sticks out to the kids and let them sample the different flavors,” she said.
The program’s goal is to get kids reading more children read more, and Ms. Bielanski said she believes the students did so because liked the prizes better this year.
”It was a good incentive with their ‘Buggy Bucks,’” she said. The students received one “Buggy Buck” per hour of reading, which could be used to buy prizes. Many earned enough to buy 15 prizes.
”I was wiped out a couple of weeks with the big prizes that I had to replace,” Ms. Bielanski said. “They did do a lot of reading to get those prizes. I think they all enjoyed the program. I think it was a good theme this year.”
Comments from an anonymous survey given by Ms. Bielanski from parents and participants in the program also gave it a good review.
”Every year it gets better and better! Mrs. B. is wonderful and the best!” “The girls enjoyed the crafts and the homework projects and the bug show.” “My daughter looked forward to attending each week and loved doing the take home work.” Most of the comments from the children were that they loved getting the prizes.
The library offers more programs during the year for residents to participate in, including Storytime for kids over 3 ½ years old, and the Krafty Kids Club. The adult craft night will resume Oct. 15 with an autumn centerpiece project.
For more information about the programs offered, call the Manville Public Library at 722-9722.

