Read All About It!

Not heading out of town for Spring Break?  Me neither.  I’m going to try not to be resentful of my family and friends who are fortunate enough to be heading to warmer and sunnier parts this Spring Break.  Instead, I’m going to give this “staycation” notion a try. 

In thinking about what to do next week, I’ve realized that there are plenty of options to keep the family occupied.  The Brewers are in town—we’ll take in a game.  I love day trips to Chicago—there’s another day covered.  I’m treating myself to a little “me” time by attending a gardening workshop and the first gathering of a new book club at the Bay View Library (more on that another time).  Most of those things cost money, though.  Since this is a staycation, I need to explore some not-so-costly options as well. 

There are some wonderful, free Spring Break options available at the Milwaukee Public Library.  We’ll be taking advantage of those as well.  Preschoolers can enjoy a story time at their neighborhood library.  Every afternoon Central Library is hosting a program.  Options include: Game Day, Picasso Faces (art activities inspired by Picasso), and Book Jacket Bingo.  Feel like taking in a movie?  Check out Mill Road, Atkinson, and Martin Luther King.  Have a teen at home?  Encourage them to participate in the gaming program at the Capitol Library.  There are plenty of boredom busters available!        

While I may not come home with a great tan and sand in my ears, I think we’ve got the makings for a pretty great Spring Break right here at home.    

How do you plan to spend Spring Break?   

For a complete list of Spring Break @ the Milwaukee Public Library visit www.mpl.org

Sergeant Joe Friday from the old television show “Dragnet” is remembered for his oft repeated saying, “Just the facts, ma’am”.  There is an entire group of readers for whom this phrase applies.  Most adult readers have a preferred genre.  I’m a fiction gal.  Adults sometimes think that children want only storybooks.  Storybooks are easier and perhaps more fun for adults to read to children. 

Truth is, however, many children prefer non-fiction.  I call these kids the “just the facts ma’am kids”.  Often, but not always, boys are the readers that seek facts.  They want to know about the natural world, science, and tangible information.  You know these kids when you meet them.  They can rattle off the names of the entire dinosaur kingdom without blinking an eye.  They can tell you all you ever wanted to know about how gadgets work. 

These kids may, in fact, be on to something.  More and more, educators are encouraging children—young and old to read non-fiction.  The information gained from reading non-fiction helps children build background knowledge that is necessary for the reading students eventually encounter in science, social studies, and other subjects.  And, exposure to non-fiction helps to create life-long learners by fueling and encouraging children’s natural curiosity. 

So, don’t be afraid to seek out a new section at the library the next time you’re selecting a book.  You just might learn something! 

Ask your librarian to recommend great non-fiction titles or visit www.mpl.org and check out Kid Zone.