There is plenty going on at the library
September is fast approaching and with it will come lots of excitement at the New Hampton Public Library.At the top of the list will be the unveiling of our new carpet. After closing for a time to replace the 24 year old carpet we are excited to begin the fall with a brand new look. Be sure to come in and check it out. We would love to see you!While you are in make sure that you have a current NHPL library card. September is Library Card Sign Up month. You can expect to see us out in the community at different locations hoping to set you up with a free library card.Along with this card comes access to books, yes, but also magazines, audio books, cake pans, puzzles, an extensive movie collection, and many databases like Bridges, our online service which offers thousands of downloadable books and audio books for your personal devices. We want to share the world with you and make you a part of the NHPL family.We are excited to announce the beginning of “First Fridays” on Sept. 2, at 10 a.m.This is a toddler time aimed at young children 0-4 years of age. Every First Friday we invite you to meet with us in the Children’s room and gather together for songs and books in a time led by our staff. On the other Fridays we will host Wee Read at 10:00. A time for caregivers and young ones to come read selected books one-on- one together. We hope to create a time set aside for reading in your week as well as place to meet with others who also have tiny readers.Along the lines of starting readers out young, how about signing your preschooler up for 1000 Books Before Kindergarten? This national program is new to our library and is intended to encourage a habit of daily reading. It is not a race or a competition but a chance to establish reading as a priority in your daily routine.Did you know that if you read one book a day to your child by the time they start Kindergarten they will have read 1,825 books? So no pressure, parents, you can miss a lot of days and make this goal! Also, you count every book you and your child read even if you read the same book over and over every day. It counts every time. So there is no reason not to sign up. Come in to get a reading log or download the app on your phone and then read away!Once you are started reading just stop into the library for a “Way to go!” sticker every time you reach a new 100 mark. At 500 books and 1,000 books you will get a great reward. (I will give you a hint: Books to keep forever!)Reading to a child 15 minutes a day is important because it not only creates a love of reading but while you are reading to a child it enhances their brain development, builds vocabulary and phonics skills, and expands comprehension. Your child is learning to read as you are reading to them. It is the greatest gift you can give them to prepare them for their future.Stop in and see what’s going on at the New Hampton Public Library. You are welcome here.•••••Carrie Becker is the director of the New Hampton Public Library. She can be reached at 641-394-2184 or by email at c.becker@newhampton.lib.ia.us.
