The importance of in-person interaction was evident on Monday, when the Orillia Public Library launched its annual TD Summer Reading Club.
With the exception of the recently introduced curbside pickup, staff and visitors have been keeping in touch and taking part in programming online. Staff were thrilled to see a couple of dedicated TD Summer Reading Club members show up Monday, and the feeling was mutual.
“I love this. It’s so fun,” a happy, chatty, four-year-old Reyansh Bajaj told them as he collected some Robert Munsch books.
His sister, Malena Bajaj, 12, was also excited to get back to reading as part of the club.
“It gives me the motivation to read, and the prizes are also really fun,” she said. “Getting to talk to other people about (the books) is awesome.”
The library has made some changes to the club this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Registration is not required. Anyone up to 18 years old can take part by letting the library know what they’re reading.
They can show up at the entrance off of the parking lot next to the Orillia Opera House. Staff will be there every Tuesday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., until the seven-week program ends in mid-August. Readers will receive a weekly prize and a “grab-and-go” bag containing a book.
Those who can’t make it in person on those days can let the library know what they’re reading by dropping off a letter in the mailbox, emailing [email protected] or calling 705-325-2559. Everyone who reports to the library will be entered in a draw for prizes that could include gift certificates to downtown businesses.
Interest in the reading club has grown, especially over the past five years. More than 1,000 signed up in 2019. With the changes made as a result of the pandemic, staff are not setting a target for participation this year.
“I’ll be happy with anything at this point because I understand the strain put on families during this pandemic,” said Sarah Papple, director of children and youth services.
She said the library is happy to be able to offer the reading club and other programming for youth despite the restrictions.
“Children’s services has a substantial demographic (of library users),” she said, noting it’s beneficial to also allow families to report to the reading club in person. “A four-year-old isn’t going to go online and put a book on hold. It’s especially important for kids. We also get to deal with people in person, and that’s important to us, too.”
More information about the TD Summer Reading Club can be found here.
