Reading program, weekly events attract kids, adults
Katherine Ratcliffe knows all about the impact a library’s reading program can have on a child.
“I really credit a summer reading program with changing everything for me,” she said. “I was a little challenged and behind in reading at a certain age, but then I took part in a summer reading program, read my first chapter books, and I finished No. 3 (for) the most books read. I think it set me up for a lifetime of excitement about reading and success.”
Ratcliffe, who has been the branch manager of the Oglethorpe County Library for about 13 months, has used the summer downtime to engage and encourage people throughout the county with a variety of programs.
This year’s summer reading program is organized under the theme “Adventure begins at your library.” Upon registering as either a child, teen or adult, participants receive a free book and a passport they stamp when they’ve completed a certain amount of reading.
When the passport is complete, finishers receive another free book and a prize — all of which are donated or funded by donations.
About 400 people registered this year, with over 250 children and over 100 adults..
The library has also hosted several events throughout the summer.
In June, it held a mini petting zoo, which Ratcliffe said brought 225 people to the library — the most in her year there.
Other events in the past month included a Percy Jackson-themed exploratory activity, a magician’s performance and a “snowed-in at the library” movie showing, complete with shredded paper and an overheated polar bear played by Ratcliffe.
“I think we definitely punch above our weight (in) that we are primarily focused on kids and families,” Ratcliffe said. “It seems to be naturally who’s been attracted to this library, so we have a kids play area (and) we really get big into our summer reading program.”
Jessica Ellis, who has worked in children’s services at the library, provides more regular opportunities for attendees.
“I do weekly storytime every Wednesday at 10:30 for the younger ones up to preschool aged, and then every Tuesday is an all ages children’s event at 10:30,” Ellis said.
Oglethorpe County resident Pamela Manning has taken her 2-year-old granddaughter Ellie to the storytimes and appreciates the benefits.
“It's just a super way to sit, spend your morning, or engage with other kids, and to learn to be in a structured environment (that) she'll be in when she starts preschool,” Manning said.
For those coming to the library for work, the computer system recently received an overhaul. The Athens Regional Library System received a grant from the Georgia Public Library System, leading to the upgrade of 14 library computers this spring.
“The number of people who just say they can’t afford internet at home (or) they only have one slow laptop at home (is) surprisingly high,” Ratcliffe said. “You can’t fill out a resume without being able to get on to the website, so I always encourage people to please come see us.”
The library plans to host more end-of-summer events — including one celebrating Smokey Bear’s birthday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 30 — that can be found on the library’s website (athenslibrary.org/location/oglethorpe).
“We’ve heard a lot of families specifically come here versus going to their closer libraries just because of the friendly atmosphere that we create here,” Ellis said. “I think there’s been more excitement in the programs we offer, our attendance and (people) wanting to make this their home library.”
Wyatt Meyer will be a senior at Clarke Central High School in Athens in the fall.