Rosie Lohr, age 9, sat in the middle of the Petersburg Public Library. She was joined by Library Program Director Kari Petersen and Petersen’s pet goldendoodle, named Frodo.
“I am reading a book to Frodo, and Kari was just reading a book to Frodo and me,” Rosie explained calmly, holding her chapter book.
She was participating in part of the annual Summer STREAM program that Petersen leads. STREAM stands for science, technology, reading, engineering, art and math. It’s a six-week program where kids do two activities each week to earn a badge.
There’s a variety of activities covering the different subjects, like timed reading, scavenger hunts, or building together with Legos.
Library Clerk Barb Seltz put together the Lego Club. She said the activities help strengthen the community.
“We’d like to try to offer things that are fun, that engage kids. Because coming to the library isn’t just about books,” said Seltz. “It should be about community. It should be about friends. We want to just make it a place where everyone’s welcome.”
Badges earn prizes; Rosie spent hers on ice cream. And children who get all six badges from all six weeks of the program get a sweatshirt with their name on the sleeve, and the chance to win a grand prize.
Petersen said community support has grown the program’s popularity. Over a hundred kids registered this year.
“I do tours with the school before the end of the year to introduce all the kids to the program, and then the kids go home and drag their parents into the library because they want to participate,” said Petersen. “And a lot of it does have to do with the prizes, but I also feel like we work really hard to create a program that we feel like will be engaging and fun for the kids to meet the goals. We really couldn’t do that without all the community support.”
The Summer STREAM program wraps up July 13. More information on how to join can be found online at the library’s website.
