NEWTON GROVE — At Weeks Park, Amy Sayle was thrilled to tell stories about stars and planets in the solar system to help promote reading.
The educator from the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was one of many highlights during the festival to kick off the summer reading program for the Sampson-Clinton Public Library. For 2019, the theme is a “Universe of Stories.”
“I see a connection because people all around have looked up into the universe and told stories about what they saw,” Sayle said. “It’s been really fun to be here today and share some of those stories.”
Along with science demonstrations, Sayle encouraged the kids to create their own stories about what they see in the sky. Children’s Librarian Tiffany Savage was pleased with the turnout for the event which also featured music, inflatable slides, face painting, and a water balloon fight. She was also grateful for volunteers, staff members, businesses and emergency officials for helping, which went beyond expectations.
“We would like to thank the community for coming out to help support the library, our kids and our families,” she said.
Rising kindergarten through sixth-grade students may register for the program from through Aug. 5. Each child will receive a log to record the titles of books during the summer to reach a goal. Afterward, a reward bag and certificate will be awarded.
For every fifth chapter book or 10th picture book read, a participant’s name will be entered into a drawing. Along with reading, hands-on activities will be held throughout the week at branches throughout Sampson County.
For more information about registration, contact library officials at 910-592-4153.