"Summer reading is Dino-Mite" at the Medina County District Library

BRUNSWICK — Summer started off with a roar at the Brunswick Library as kids explored new books, crafts and magic tricks during a summer reading kickoff event on Friday. Brunswick Library Children's Department Supervisor Kelly Halleen said this year's summer reading theme is "Reading is Dino-Mite." "Dinosaurs are a favorite of kids, adults, boys and girls, so we knew this was going to hit perfectly," she said. "We have dinosaur crafts out, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History is going to be here next week doing some fossil activities." To take part in summer reading, kids entering fifth grade and younger mark off each day they have read on a physical board game that they pick up from a Medina County District Library branch, Halleen said. Kids can read or listen to any book of their choosing to win a dinosaur themed prize on day 15 and a book on day 30. "We know that in order for them to succeed in school and to be prepared for state testing in really any subject area like reading, math and science, it is all supported by reading," she said. "Literacy is the key to success." Last year, 2,188 kids signed up for the first time at the Brunswick Library, Halleen said. The goal is to increase program participation each year. "Every year, we get more and more kids who read for another month, so two months over the summer, which is amazing," she said. "We want to keep up their skills for the summer, so when they start school back again in the fall, there's no summer slide." Those who pick up a summer reading board this weekend at the Brunswick Library will receive a tote that kids can color on and carry their books in, Halleen said. For more information about the library's summer reading programs or upcoming events, visit mcdl.info. "We're so excited," she said. "This is the best job ever, and it's the best experience for all of us at this time of year. We embrace the crazy, so we want it to be busy, and we want kids to come in. If they don't know what to read, we are happy to help them find a book that they will like because that is what is most important to us." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.