Tina Mraz, assistant branch manager at the Oakton Library points to student art work. It is part of the summer reading program’s art extension, a creative outlet unique to the Oakton Library for children to relate to the books they have read over the summer. Photo by Colin Stoecker/The Connection
Kairavi Dandekar, 13, an eighth grader at Rachel Carson Middle School and a Herndon resident, has been waiting patiently for her 13th birthday and chance to register in the system as a volunteer for the summer reading program. Now she sits patiently at a table in the corner of the library reading, and waiting to register newcomers to the summer reading program.
“When people stop by it makes me happy that they are interested in reading over the summer,” said Dandekar. “I like to read myself — I like all books, but today mostly it’s younger kids registering for the program,” she said.
“Since participating in the program, I have seen Kairavi’s English improve and her develop a love of books and literature,” said her mother, Palavi Tipnis, a software engineer.
“I think it’s a great approach for young kids to read with all the technology nowadays. Children are on their phones and this is a great way for parents to bring in their kids and win coupons,” said Tipnis.
The Oakton library offers an adult summer reading handout. It comes in the form of a bingo game. To win adults cross off five of the suggested reading prompts on the list. These include “Read a Pulitzer Prize Winner” or “Read something by an author from Virginia.”
“The adults come in with their kids and maybe they’re just looking for a way to take up the time but they love to do the bingo challenge,” said Lisa Kerny, librarian for 15 years, and branch manager at the Oakton Library.
Assistant Branch Manager Tina Mraz loves to ask children what they read and watch their faces light up.
The Oakton library also offers a reading extension, or chance for kids to make art and put in on display about the books that they have read. “The kids take all of the books over the summer and it’s sad to see them go, but at least they’re reading,” said Mraz.
Eric Chung, 6, a rising first grader and Oakton resident, was at the library with his nanny Ellie Rakoff, 20. “It’s hard but it’s also fun. The list has all of the books that I can read on it. I also help look after my little sister,” he said.
“It’s also a great way for them to occupy their time, not just playing video games or watching cartoons all day,” said Rakoff.