Kids awed and bounced as they watched the magician’s crafty hands pull cards and coins from hats and ears.
Working his trade, Jeff Evans drew a crowd of families into the downtown Renton Library, where his message echoed the library’s summer reading theme: Be Creative.
It’s “showing kids that picking up a book is funner [sic] than turning the TV on all day,” said Evans, who discovered his love of magic from a book.
Though the library is focusing on creative outlets for children and teens this summer, the goal is the same: drawing people to books and libraries.
“It just builds up in their mind that this is a cool place,” said Andrea Bufort, whose 5-year-old daughter is participating in the reading program, which offers free books and cupcakes as incentives to read with family.
Inviting pre-kindergartners to story time twice a week, the librarians familiarize kids with books, narratives and storylines, said Jessica Marie, the children’s librarian.
“They learn to behave,” said Marjorid Leon, who has been taking her 5-year- old daughter to the library to help improve her English. Kids learn to be quiet, listen to adults and raise their hands.
The program also encourages parents to read with their kids.
“Every time kids are reading in the summer, they’re going to do so much better in the fall,” said Bette Anderson, the library director.
Unfortunately, the majority of families that participate in library programs would otherwise encourage their kids to read, Marie said. “Our challenge is to constantly encourage kids who’ve already decided that they don’t like to read.”
Summer library events
Story times, 7 p.m. Mondays and 10 a.m. Wednesdays. Through August 12. Ages 2-6 at Renton Library.
Drop-in crafts, 2-3:30 p.m., July 28, Aug. 18. Ages 6 and up at Renton Library.
Paws to Read, 2-3:30 p.m., Saturdays. Ages 5 and up at Renton Library.
Teen game days, 3-5 p.m. August 25 at Highlands. 3-4:30 p.m., August 27 at Renton Library.
Altered book craft, 2-4 p.m. August 6. Grades 5 and up at Renton Library.
Anime club, 3-5 p.m. Grades 5 and up at Highlands Library.
That’s where free magic shows and craft days come in.
“The library is a community center. It’s a fun place,” Marie said.
Volunteers also bring therapy dogs on Saturdays so children can practice reading to them, while getting comfortable with pets, she said. “They’re reading to a very non-judgmental audience.”
The library also hosts teen events mainly out of the Highlands Library with activities such as jewelry making and Manga Fest.
“It’s such a good location to so many schools,” Marie said of Highlands Library.
A photography contest and raffle also encourage parents to read during the summer, Anderson said.
With families looking for cheaper entertainment, the Renton libraries saw a 12 percent jump in use in 2008, and it’s looking like it will jump similarly this year, Anderson said.
“It’s really fun to watch the books fly off the shelves in the summer,” Marie said.
