Library Holds Adult Reading SessionInland Valley Daily Bulletin: August 7, 2009 by Imani Tate
When parents and family elders read books, they act as literacy role models for children.
Reading can be a recreational pastime, an opportunity to acquire advanced skills or a doorway into a world of adventure, asserted Pat Lambert, the Pomona Public Library's adult services librarian.
It can also fill summer hours with excellent excuses to come to the local library, she added.
Lambert initiated the adult summer reading program to offer additional family-oriented activities at the library and encourage adults to enjoy the library as children and teens do.
In years past, only young children participated in summer reading programs. Children's librarian Nissa Perez-Montoya, her staff and teen volunteers coordinated the June to August activities for the younger set. Lambert designed the adult program around a similar format, offering opportunities for adults to read more, win prizes for the number of hours spent reading and attend specialty programs presented by such artists as Glendora quilter Marijo Jackson.
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According to Lambert, reading is one of the most important skills anyone can acquire.
"Parents can serve as models for their children and be a positive influence when they read," she contended. "Families coming to the library tend to be more engaged in reading-related activities, gain increased awareness of services available for all age groups at the library and oftentimes are able to realize greater personal and professional success when they're excellent readers.”
Lambert said a library is a focal point for learning, culture and literacy in any community.
"Despite the increasing popularity of technology, libraries are still vital because of the connection they make with people," she noted. "Yes, most people have computers, but people need a place where they can come and engage with other people. That engagement can be through book discussion groups, crafting sessions or summer reading programs."
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The adult summer reading program ends Tuesday and adults will celebrate with participants in the children's summer reading program for the Wednesday performance by Buster Balloon.
Lambert will then begin work on her next major project: the citywide Big Read program featuring activities, programs and projects around Jack London's book "Call of the Wild." The Big Read is Oct. 10 to Nov. 14. READ MORE !
