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05/31/2017 09:00 AMThink that summer reading is just about filling out paper logs? Well, the Deep River Public Library (DRPL) is debuting a new, digital, interactive summer reading program that will take children and adults alike on an adventure.
Wandoo Reader is an interactive program that will let readers log their books online, and for students, the logs can be printed out at the end of the summer and turned in to the schools for the governor’s Summer Reading Challenge. There is an option for adult registration, in addition to the kid’s registration.
In the kid’s version, after registering, readers choose an adventure character. As they log books, they can play games, earn points, and learn facts. The adult registration loses the game component. To log books, simply enter the book title, and click on the right choice from the list (this was not an option in the digital summer reading program used by the library last year).
“It’s going to be easier to use, [and] easier for parents to use, too, if the kids are registering with the parent’s email address,” said Elaine Alexander, youth services specialist at DRPL. “Readers also can earn prizes, and complete challenges like attending certain events and reviewing them, or reviewing books. There will also be weekly raffles from local merchants.”
Prizes and weekly raffles include snacks, novelty items, craft kits, Avery’s Gross Soda, gift certificates for ice cream at the Sweet Shoppe, cookies from Dough on Main, a gift certificate to Deep River Pizza, and an Erector set. Adult readers become eligible for an end-of-summer raffle that includes gift certificates to Deep River merchants.
“I love this idea that it is a small town and kids can walk up and down the street and go to the places in the community that are participating in this with us,” said Alexander.
Alexander plans on visiting 4th grade classrooms in June to explain the program. While the program is open to all, the goal is to really target elementary school students to keep them engaged in reading and learning through the summer.
“It’s not just about reading,” Alexander said, “it’s about being that community hub for enrichment.”
Alexander also has five weeks-worth of both family and preschool-aged programs planned for the summer. The free programs are aimed to help families take advantage of enrichment opportunities outside of the school year.
The Wandoo Reader program is sponsored by the Friends of the Deep River Public Library, Dough on Main, Deep River Pizza, the Sweet Shoppe, and the Hartford Yardgoats. Registration opens on Wednesday, June 14, and readers can start logging books on June 28. For more information, visit http://deepriverlibrary.accountsupport.com, call 860-526-6039, or email Elaine Alexander at drplchildrensdept@gmail.com.