- Woodland Park School District
- Overview
Library celebrates accomplishments of summer readers
The Alfred Baumann Library's “Universe of Stories” summer program went out with a “big bang!” Over 350 children, parents, and grandparents recently gathered to celebrate all of the children’s reading accomplishments and participation in Library programs over the summer. The celebration included a bounce house, games, ice cream, ice pops, cotton candy, a rocket ship for photos, face painting, spin art, and lots of prizes. There were sack races and a water balloon toss, even the parents had a water balloon toss. This year, Cub Scouts Pack 31 and their leaders created a giant dice game for children to play.
Many thanks to the local businesses that supported the program: Sip ‘n Swirl, Bromilow’s Chocolates, Santangelo’s Funeral Home, ShopRite of Little Falls, Chef Calvin from the Office in Ridgewood and Pizza City. Donations were also received from The Montclair Art Museum, Liberty Science Center, Floyd Hall Arena, The Red Bulls Soccer Team, and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. Additionally, many thanks to the WP Municipal Alliance for their partnership in reading by providing “Fly Guy Presents Space” books, an inflatable planetarium, and the Movie Under the Stars at the Library. Finally, the Library thanks Mrs. Ficarra, Mrs. Seavy, and Mrs. Castrovincci for volunteering to judge the Space Spelling Bee and for the overall support from Superintendent Dr. Pillari and the school district.
The preliminary numbers are in. Total event registration at programs and registrations combined totalled 2,846 children and 554 teen participants. The Library hosted 107 summer programming events. Participants read approximately 3,500 books and 179,760 minutes (or 2,996 hours.) Additionally, the Library staff attended 14 outreach events throughout the community engaging over 1,100 children. The Library was fortunate to have 24 Junior Ambassadors and Teen Volunteers assist with programs, technology, program preparation, and a Passaic Valley High School student created, planned and assisted with the Kids Mindfulness program. Collectively, they volunteered 106 hours over the summer and did an outstanding job running all of the games at the End of Summer Celebration.