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Summer reading program ends at base library

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ericka Engblom
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Usually, library atmospheres follow a very certain stereotype: students filling their lunch hours in the pursuit of greater knowledge, older couples sitting side by side in the comfy arm chairs or a child who comes every week to restock their favorite books. However, this was not the case July 30 when the library at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. was transformed into a festival celebrating the end of the summer reading program.

Each year, the library hosts a reading program which encourages kids, teens and their parents to fill the months until school starts again with reading. Every hour of reading earns a point that can later be used to purchase prizes from the library's store.

This year's program, entitled "Paws to Read," involved weekly visits from animals and their handlers. Participants were given the opportunity to see a dairy cow, a beehive and its keeper, the 27th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron military working dogs and other interesting critters.

More than 280 children participated in the program, which ran from June 2 through July 30, along with 21 teenagers and 73 adults.

"Summer reading is a resiliency resource," said Jessica Severin, 27th Special Operations Force Support Squadron senior library technician, "We really want to promote family time with this program; and since it's right in the middle of Permanent Change of Station season, we want the library to be a place where they can come and forget all the stress."

The carnival proved apt for this goal featuring games, a bouncy house and sidewalk chalk drawing. Kids cashed in their final amount of points in exchange for prizes and parents were able to partake in the fun.

Severin suggested that the program helped the families of Cannon because reading will always be a benefit to adults and children alike.

"There is a ton of research out there that shows reading improves brainpower," said Severin, "It improves social skills and helps in every subject in school. You can't do a word problem in math unless you can read; so because of this, we want to encourage readers of all ages. No matter what reading level they are at, we want to support them."

For any questions about upcoming library programs or events call 575-784-7033.

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