Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

St. Helena youth had a Reading BLAST this summer. Youth in St. Helena Parish were able to join in the fun reading many different books this summer. They also participated in arts and crafts. The reading program started off with youth signing up for library cards and hearing motivational speakers at the St. Helena Parish Library.

At Turner Chapel, there were three different reading groups: they were lower elementary grades (kindergarten through first grade), upper elementary grades (second through fourth) and middle grades (fifth-sixth). Parents and grandparents shared in the fun, as well.

During the reading program, youth had to write or express themselves in written form each day. Teens were able to explore their culture and many other cultures. They were able to make dolls and clothes from other cultures. Youth had to choose one of the cultures and write an essay about their topic.

This summer reading program has benefited many youth in St. Helena this summer. At the end of July youth were able to take home many books that were given to them from Bienville Parish. Youth from St. Helena were appreciative.

Thanks to the library for supporting the Reading to the HEART Summer Reading program. This summer the program benefited youth in the following ways:

• Participating in a summer reading program was fun, rewarding, and challenging.
• Children were given the opportunity to choose what they wanted to read, enjoy their reading and make it a habit.
• Library visits gave youth an opportunity to use computers, research on the internet and socialize with peers.

As a part of the summer reading program we encourage our families also. Below are a few ways we brought our families together:

• The library is a place the whole family visited together.
• Parents and kids checked out books, or books-on-tape, to take on family vacations.
• Older children read library books to younger siblings.

I must say this program was a BLAST!! I would like to say thanks to the St. Helena community and volunteers who made this program a success.

There were many books available for selection and reading. So many, which will be the best choice? Writing about cultural experiences was part of the program. Singing by Papillion the Pirate provided entertainment.

This young lady is looking forward to reading the book she chose from the many available. Younger children need help. The art project was a popular part of the program. A proud face on this youngster shows his appreciation.