Libraries Strive for Excellence in Reading

Marine Corps News

Camp Pendleton libraries are scheduled to kick off the Summer Reading Program for 2009.

Events are slated to begin June 12 with special programs and weekly entertainment at all three library locations: Seaside Square, Abby Reinke and Mainside.

All events are free of charge and will include activities for children, teenagers and adults in order to promote reading at all ages.

The program will also include entertainment every Wednesday, ranging from dance classes for children to puppet shows and even a visit from Paul Brewer, illustrator and co-author of the "Robert" children's books.

Teenaged patrons will have the opportunity to attend a manga drawing class, participate in performance poetry and meet science fiction author Tom Kirkbride.

Aside from the events, participants have the opportunity to win prizes by registering in the summer reading club. The club, which has no age restriction, will keep a record of individuals reading hours at the library from June 12 to Aug. 1. After the time frame, individuals will receive a free book for every nine hours they have logged in their log books.

"The library is for everyone on base," said Sandra Jensen, assistant branch manager, Camp Pendleton Mainside Library. "We want them to come and let us know what we can do for them."

"One of the nicest things we have for visitors is the play away system. It's a digitally recoded book that requires no CD or cassette player, you just plug in headphones and enjoy," said Jensen.

Apart from the summer reading events, the library also boosts a collection of more than 90,000 books between its three locations and bookmobile, more than 1,000 digital video disks, approximately 700 books on compact disk and 500 assorted video home system cassettes.

For more information on the Camp Pendleton libraries, call (760) 763-4253.

Copyright 2012 by Marine Corps News