Summer reading program gets medieval theme at Gail Borden

Elgin's Gail Borden Public Library goes medieval this summer with its annual summer reading program, “A Midsummer Knight's Read 2011.”

The program, which has been around for more than 30 years, will try to break last year's record number of participants with a medieval theme, highlighted by an interactive castle in the main library.

Last year's comic book theme attracted almost 7,000 readers, said Denise Raleigh, director of marketing, development and communications for Gail Borden. As of Monday, approximately 2,157 children through eighth grade had registered. Raleigh said participation should pick up once all students break for summer vacation.

To promote this summer's program, the library set up medieval-themed activities and exhibits in the library and surrounding communities. Traveling volunteer readers will visit various locations in the library district as part of the Royal Reader program.

The centerpiece of the exhibits is an immersive castle, known as Amazing Castle, located on the main library's first floor. Visitors can interact with eight exhibits, which include a tailor shop, banquet hall and a “dragon's lair.”

Raleigh said she hopes visitors, in particular children, have fun with the castle, while also motivating themselves to read.

“We're promoting ongoing fun, but also positive reading reinforcement,” Raleigh said.

Public reaction to the exhibits has been mostly positive, said librarian Jennifer Bueche.

Sandy Jacoby, visiting from Lake in the Hills, said the different activities have kept her children interested and entertained.

“I'm afraid we can't get out of here now because they're having too much fun,” Jacoby said. “There are so many different exhibits they can try.”

Charlotte Marvin, of Batavia, and her son, meanwhile, couldn't get enough of the puppet show displays, even creating a play of his own.

“We made up our own show with a dragon in it,” said Luke, Marvin's 3-year-old son.

Bueche said this year's program continues the use of exhibits to promote summer reading. Past themes included dinosaurs and outer space.

“I think the exhibits capture the imagination of the children so well,” Bueche said.

It is the library's goal, Raleigh added, to keep people's minds fresh during the summer.

“Our goal is to keep the summer slide from occurring,” Raleigh said. “We really feel it's important to help the students develop their literary skills because it is so important in their academic and daily lives.”

But the summer reading programs aren't just for children, though. Raleigh said there are various programs to motivate all age groups to read this summer. The adult program, she added, challenges adults to read six books to be eligible to win a Nook eReader. Other age group programs also offer incentives and prizes.

“Good things happen in a child's life if we get them reading early,” Raleigh said. “But it's also a valuable lesson for all ages, whether you are 2 or 60.”

“Many say to themselves, ‘I'm on summer vacation and taking a break,' ” Bueche said. “Please don't take a vacation from reading and everything, though.”

Registration for the program continues to July 23. Those interested can register either in person or online at gailborden.info.

The Amazing Castle exhibit, a traveling exhibit from the Minnesota Children's Museum, will be on display through Sept. 2 at the main library, 270 N. Grove Ave. The exhibit is sponsored by the Gail Borden Public Library and Grand Victoria foundations.