A summer of reading fun

All good things, like good books, must come to an end.

For Laguna Beach Public Library children’s librarian Rebecca Porter, last Tuesday marked the close of her 2006 summer reading program, “Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales.”

Storyteller Steven Henegar’s presentation of “Likely Stories: from True Life to Tall Tales” brought to a close a vibrant summer of puppetry, hot dogs and circus performers.

And at a previous Hawaiian luau event, kids made snow cones, had a scavenger hunt, competed in hula hoop relay races and decorated each other with brightly colored crepe paper.

“Somebody mummetize me!” yelled little Aaron Alcouloumre. His friends were only too happy to oblige him.

Enthusiasm for even the most mundane responsibilities is fostered by Porter. After the activity, children earnestly tossed hundreds of crepe paper bits into a cardboard box, with no complaints.

“I wish I had a quarter of their energy,” Porter said later.

The kids chose Hawaiian names like Akamu (“of the earth”) and Alamea (“precious, whole”) to wear for the event.

“Ooh, ‘Sweetheart!’ ” one girl said excitedly, choosing the name Ku’uipo.

Cupcakes, snow cones and hot dogs were the order of the day, provided by teen volunteers who took their junk food duties seriously. One teen ensured each cupcake was individually hand-decorated; another proudly told of his Rice Krispies Treat-making obligations.

“I want the children to remember the library; I think it’s important to create a positive association for them with the library,” Porter said.

“She’s amazing,” said parent Pam Percival. “She’s helped all three of my kids to read better. She’s gracious, she’s enthusiastic, her storytimes are phenomenal, and she’s so motivating for the kids.”

“For me, I get a dose of youthfulness,” stated Porter, who has no children. “We had a baby shower for one of the children at one of our storytimes before he was born, and now I get to see him growing up.”

Each year’s summer reading program theme is created by the California Library Association, which offers themed bags, bookmarks, posters and other materials that allow for cohesive, professional branding throughout both the Orange County Public Library system and the state.

But each library’s take on the theme can differ.

Laguna Beach’s program featured stilt walkers, a pajama storytime, an ice cream social, a puppet theater, a wildlife party, magicians and rhythmic dance.

Friends of the Laguna Beach Library picks up the tab for all of Porter’s summer reading program supplies and entertainment.

“We put a lot of work into it beforehand,” Porter said. “There’s lots of planning. We booked the entertainers in the spring, and ordered all the materials way in advance.”

The ice cream social has become a favorite in the community.

“That’s turning into something I really look forward to,” Porter said. “It’s complete pandemonium, but everyone seems to have a good time.”

Children participating in the program log every 20 minutes that they’ve read on a sheet. For every five hours of reading logged, the student is able to pick out a book to take home from the library’s community reading room.

Porter recalled a time when she was low on giveaway books. She put out craft kits instead, but the parents didn’t like it, she said; they would rather have their kids reading.

“It’s a great library, because of the people who come to it. The parents are really supportive, and the children are adorable. I think the parents themselves are very well-educated, so they place high importance on reading,” she said.

Many programs measure the number of pages or books read, rather than minutes spent at the activity. Porter chose the latter approach.

“If it becomes about how many books are read, then it’s easier to pick up a short book and not really get a lot out of it, since it’s not really at your reading level,” Porter explained. The time measurement gives a more accurate take on the student’s reading habits.

Although the library’s Tuesday night program has increased in numbers, there has been a decline in the overall number of reading program participants, Porter noted.

About 300 children participate each year in the program; last summer, the library noted a high of more than 400 children, but the number decreased this year to more typical levels.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve the program,” Porter said; parents are encouraged to contact her with their ideas and concerns.

Porter made a mid-life career change to become a children’s librarian; she previously worked in a doctor’s office — and not even for a pediatrician.

“I feel like a librarian now,” Porter said. “It’s taken me awhile. I always knew I was a bookworm, but I didn’t feel like a librarian. People talk about stereotypical librarians, and some of the stereotypes are based in truth, but some we have to bash.”