by
Mary Hansen
At
the library, we will start the New Year off with a bang thanks to Minnesota
Legacy Funding. Children’s author and
illustrator, Nancy Carlson, will be our guest on Saturday, January 11 at 10:00 AM
in Litchfield and at 1:00 PM in Dassel. Children of all ages are welcome to attend
this event.
Litchfield artist Gerry
Kulzer will be teaching Adult Calligraphy.
This is a three session class that will be held Tuesdays, February 4, 11,
and 18 at 6:00 PM. Gerry says, “Adults
attending this class will be provided all materials needed to get started on a
new endeavor that combines precision with artistic expression.” Participants
will learn how to use traditional calligraphic styles as well as modern manuscript
calligraphy styles. Please call the
library, 693-2483 to register.
Minnesota author Douglas
Wood will be presenting two programs in Litchfield on Saturday March 8th.
The first program is entitled “Earth Songs and Earth Stories”.
While online recently I ran
across a list of 9 reasons why reading is important. Because I am always looking for new ways to
encourage children to read this list got my attention. You can access this list
at www.best-books-for-kids.com. It
seems to me the list is accurate and inspiring.
Let me share it with you.
9 Reasons Why Reading is
Important
1.
Children who read often get
better at it. This is pretty much common sense.
After all, practice makes perfect in almost everything we do and reading
is no different.
2.
Reading exercises our brains. Reading is a
much more complex task for the human brain than watching television is. Reading
strengthens brain connections and builds new connections.
3.
Reading improves concentration. Children have to sit still and sit quietly so
they can focus on what they are reading. If they read regularly as they grow
up, they develop the ability to do this for longer and longer periods.
4.
Reading teaches children about the world
around them. Through reading they learn about people, places, and events
outside their own experience. They are exposed to ways of life and beliefs that
are different from their own. It builds background on which children can learn
confidently.
5.
Reading improves vocabulary and enriches
language skills which in turn helps children learn to write well.
6.
Reading develops a child’s imagination. When
we read our brain translates the words and descriptions of people, places and
things into pictures.
7.
Reading helps children develop empathy. We use our own experience to understand how
we would feel in the same situations and identify with the characters to feel
what the characters are feeling.
8.
Reading is great entertainment and you can
take it anywhere. A small paperback will
fit in your bag or perhaps even your pocket so you can read anytime.
9.
Reading relaxes the body and calms the
mind. This is an important point because
we seem to have forgotten how to relax and especially how to be silent.
Because of all the reasons
listed above children do better at school in all subject areas. Since reading
is such an important part of our lives we would like to invite children ages
6-18 to participate in one of our book clubs. The books are always available
for you to pick up at the library. The ages listed are guidelines choose the
group that works for you.
Beginner’s Book Club, for
children ages 6-9, meets from 3-4 PM on the 2nd Thursday of the
month. Join Mrs. Pease on Thursday,
January 9 to discuss Pee Wee Scouts:
Cookies and Crutches by Judy Delton.
Get Caught Reading Book Club,
for children ages 9-12 meets every third Thursday of the month. Join Mary Hansen at 3 PM. on Thursday,
January 16 to discuss the book Maniac
Magee by Jerry Spinelli.
Book to Movie Club, for
grades 6-12, meets Monday, January 27th at 6:00 PM to watch the
movie The Tale of Despereaux and
discuss the book as they watch. All
students are welcome to join Tiana Schweim, whether they’ve read or not.
Whether you are coming in
for programming or to pick up a book to read on these cold winter days we’re
always happy to welcome you at the library!
