Reading Program a Multicultural Safari

A popular reading program for kids at the San Fernando Library is combining guest performers with creative incentives to promote multiculturalism.

“Read About Me,” a twice-weekly program funded by a grant from the Miller Brewing Co., has been popular among parents looking for educational--and free--ways to help their 6- to 12-year-olds have some fun and beat the heat.

“It’s really a fun time for the staff as well as for the kids,” said library assistant Diane Gavin. “Last week we had Aztec dancers, which everyone loved, and this week it’s going to be African storytelling.”

The program has two parts:

* On Tuesdays “After School Story and Craft” offers selected readings to complement hands-on activities like origami and mask-making.

* On Thursdays the library hosts special guest performances with descriptions like “Polynesian Adventures” and “Creatures, Cultures & Kids.”

Although the program is already halfway through its course--it will end on Aug. 1--Gavin said newcomers are welcome to join the 80 or so regulars who have been coming all summer.

The program has a jungle theme, and when kids sign up they are instructed by library workers wearing pith helmets to attach an animal cutout to a specially constructed tree.

“Each time they come back, they have to tell us about a book they’ve read and then they can attach another jungle creature to the tree and watch it grow,” Gavin said.

Participants also get a free book and other incentives, like pencils and pins, on subsequent visits after they’ve given a librarian a short report on the book they read the previous week, Gavin said.

The San Fernando Library is situated at 1050 Library St.