More and more kids take up library’s reading challenge

The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library’s Summer Reading Program Challenge this year saw more participation from siblings, indicating the importance of family involvement in encouraging young students to read more.

“This is the third summer that we participated in this program,” said Tanapag resident Katrina Cabrera, whose two children, 8-year-old Froilan and 6-year-old Kiana, are the top two and three participants respectively that have read the most number of books during the challenge.

Cabrera said her children have always loved to read. “That’s why I brought them to the library so that they will continue to read even during summer break and not take their mind off of learning,” she said.

With the library offering not just books but also activities such as arts and crafts, Cabrera said it encourages more youngsters to visit the library during their school vacation. “Kids enjoy coming to the library now because it has lots of activities that they like.”

Maryann Manglona of Koblerville would bring her two children, 11-year-old Manuel Celis Jr. and 10-year-old Maylyn Celis to the library as early as 8:30am and wait outside until it opens at 9am.

Manglona’s dedication and commitment to her children’s learning has earned the admiration of the JKPL staff, who recognized her efforts by presenting her family with certificate of recognition and water park passes to Pacific Islands Club.

“I’m so surprised,” said Manglona, who recounted that it was her sister-in-law who encouraged her to bring her children to the library for the summer.

According to Manglona, the reading program was a great opportunity for her children to spend their summer learning while they bonded as a family. “I’m glad I was able to spend time with my kids. I’m proud of them.”

Library assistant Celina Foreman, who was in charge of the reading challenge, said they have parents and guardians to thank for. “Even if they live far, they still bring their kids to the library. They love the library.”

Foreman said more and more students consider the library important. “Library is important to them because it’s like a home to them. It’s where they get to read and relax,” she explained.

Froilan, Kiana, Manuel Jr., and Maylyn were among the almost 100 participants of the 2011 Summer Reading Program Challenge who were recognized in a ceremony Friday morning at the Children of Our Homeland room.

Participants each received a certificate and got a chance to spin the wheel for exciting prizes.

This year’s winner of the most number of books read was Esther Huh of Kagman Elementary School who read a total of 200 books. She read 120 books in 2010.

An incoming fifth grader, 10-year-old Huh digs fantasy books and says her favorite book this summer was A Magical World.

“It’s about a mouse that went to a magical world called the World of Fantasy where he helped a fairy queen blossom. He also learned from animals there that he’s not brave so he became brave later on when he got home,” she said.

Huh was accompanied by mother Jenny Baek Huh and father Daniel Huh. “She has the talent and the qualities of a leader and we support her by bringing her to the library even though we live in Kagman,” said Daniel Huh.

Reading, Daniel Huh said, is very important in the development of a child’s intelligence. “A kid can explore the world through a book.”

John Oliver Gonzales, JKPL executive director, commended all parents and guardians who brought their children to the library to nurture their education despite the high cost of fuel and the island’s continued economic decline.

“What’s the cost of gas versus the cost of opening the imaginations of our children? Here at your public library, that’s our daily habit, to welcome you and we open our doors. All we need is your initiative. All we need is your interest. All of our services here at your public library, they’re all for free,” he said.