Reading program targets both children and adults
Henderson State University’s Huie Library partnered with the Clark County Library this summer to host the Arkadelphia Summer Reading programs. Throughout the months of June and July, Huie hosted seven programs for children and several passive programs for adults centered on the nationwide theme of “On Your Mark, Get Set, Read!”
The programs reached 332 Clark County children ages 6-12, and the theme of the programs focused on encouraging physical fitness. The sessions covered topics from sports and yoga to a visit from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
On average, each session had 54 children in attendance. Parents and other others were encouraged to attend the sessions, which led to a total of 69 adults participating.
Huie librarians also hosted five children’s programs at Clark County Library. These morning story hours were geared toward children ages 3-6. The attendance reached 170 children at these programs.
Huie Library also made an effort to cater to the adults in Clark County by providing passive programs for adults. The librarians held a Reading Flash Mob on the South Lawn of Henderson State’s campus where participants were encouraged to review books and complete health related tasks for prizes.
The faculty and staff at Huie Library are already looking forward to next summer’s reading program.
“We invite members from both the university and the community to speak with the children on topics surrounding the program theme and have had many successful programs thanks to that support,” said Lacy Wolfe, Electronic Resources and Web Services Librarian.
By collaborating with the other libraries in Arkadelphia and with the support of the campus community, the programs will continue to reach children in the Arkadelphia and Clark County area and provide a summer full of education and entertainment.
Persons interested in participating in the programs can contact Wolfe at wolfel@hsu.edu or 870-230-5322.