Adventure Sails Into C.H. Booth Library

By Larissa Lytwyn

Children’s librarian Alana Meloni believes that children who are read to at a young age can develop a stronger appreciation for reading.

“Kids don’t always have the opportunity to hear their fathers read to them because of their fathers’ late work schedules, or other issues,” she said.

To address this concern, Ms Meloni developed the “Real Men Read” series. Earlier this month retired librarian John Renjilian read Bruce Coville’s Jennifer Murdley’s Toad.

During the week of July 19–23, former superintendent of schools John Reed read Windcatcher, by Newbury Award winning author Avi.

“The library contacted me some time back to ask me if I wanted to participate in the series,” he said. “I was happy to!”

Windcatcher tells the story of a young boy, Tony, who learns how to sail while spending the summer living with his grandmother on some islands off the New England shore. On his website, www.avi-writer.com, Avi says that he got the idea for Windcatcher several years ago while passing through the Thimble Islands, off the shore of Connecticut.

Though formerly not familiar with the author, Mr Reed recognized Windcatcher’s strong female characters.

“Tony’s grandmother is a very strong character,” he said. “He’s also tutored by a girl who is a little older than him.” The girl, he said, was also conveyed as a strong person.

 While Mr Reed said he enjoyed participating in the series, he acknowledged the challenge of selecting books that appealed to both boys and girls, while also being appropriate in length.

“Because of time restraints, it’s sometimes difficult to ask the children questions or facilitate some sort of discussion,” Mr Reed said.

Last Wednesday, the only children present for Mr Reed’s reading were 8-year-old Ross Coken and his 10-year-old sister Alaina.

“I’ve liked the book so far,” said Alaina. “It’s been interesting.”

Ross said he liked the adventure and mystery aspects of the book.

The Coken children also attended Mr Renjilian’s session earlier in the month.

“The [C.H. Booth] library has really great programs for kids,” said Russ and Alaina’s mother, Gail Coken. “They’ve really been engaged this summer.”

Real Men Read is held weekdays from noon to 1 pm in the children’s section of the C.H. Booth Library. The series is free and recommended for children ages 8 and up. While next week’s Real Men Read program has been postponed, future dates are still possible. To express interest in the continuation of the program, contact the library at 426-3851.