ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
From left, Nathan and Connor Herbert, and Rian and Nicole Leonard look at a strawberry plant during the Plant-tastic class at the Saugus Library.
BY MICHELE DURGIN
SAUGUS — Does anything scream summer as much as good music, a compelling book and a hot fudge sundae?
That’s exactly what the Saugus Library Foundation provided on Monday when it hosted the Kickoff To Summer Reading Program for youngsters.
Librarian Amy Melton said she was pleased with the turnout at the event held in the library’s children’s section. Melton said she hopes kids will spend some of their summer vacation time reading a book or two and she’ll be around to provide encouragement and guidance to anyone who needs it.
“I truly believe that the key to loving reading is finding a book that you love,” she said. “My hope is we can get children in here through some of the fun summer activities that are planned so that we can deliver that message.”
Upcoming activities include a Read and Win challenge for students in K-6. The challenge is to read three books, write a report on each and hand them in by Aug. 11. The reward? A free ticket to the Topsfield Fair, a free lunch voucher at the fair, two ride tickets, a ribbon and a free ticket for an ice cream sundae party that is planned for late August.
Another activity that will be included in the summer program is Plant-tastic, which combines gardening techniques with lessons about nature in an interactive and enjoyable setting.
Storyteller Alicia Quintano performed at Monday’s event. She presented a light hearted, family-style program called “Seventh Inning Stretch,” which included stories, a baseball song and poetry.
“It’s a great pleasure to be at this wonderful library with such a wonderful audience,” she said. “I am honored to help kick off its summer reading program. I believe people are nourished by stories and there’s nothing better than a good book.”
Kareen Ribourg and her two daughters attended the celebration. They moved to Saugus recently and she said they are excited to get involved in community activities.
“I read about this program online and it looked like something my girls would like to participate in,” she said. “I think it will be a great summer activity, with no cost, and we look forward to getting started.”
Eight-year-old Karina Martinez, a soon-to-be third-grader at the Lynnhurst School, enjoyed her time at the kick-off party, as well.
“Today was awesome,” she said. “I like to read stories that are fun and interesting. I want to read a lot this summer and I hope I come back here and get some books. I had fun today, and I got to eat ice cream before dinner.”
