By TR Robertson
The September meeting of the YES program recently heard a presentation about the Carlsbad City Library’s Summer Reading Adventure. The meeting was held in the Pine Avenue Community Center. Laura Mendez, Principal Librarian for Partnerships & Community Outreach and Mayra Turchiano, Division Head for Carlsbad City Library’s Bilingual Services Division, presented a power point presentation about the continued success of the Summer Reading Program.
The Reading Program ran from June 13 – August 6. Over 2.141 students registered with 829 completing the program. There were 1,448 teen volunteer hours accumulated and 22,525 activities were completed. The libraries also distributed 1,103 books. The Summer Reading Adventure featured tailored programs for the students, presentations by visiting authors, challenges and goals set for the students and a Teen Art Show.
Some of the new initiatives the Carlsbad Libraries are beginning are Bilingual story walls, Summer Camp Outreach, and currently over 15,000 people are on the Library’s specialized eNewsletter list. Organizations like the Carlsbad Parks and Recreation Services, Carlsbad Education Foundation, Carlsbad Boys & Girls Club Village, Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation and Sister City Ambassadors sponsor many of the Carlsbad Library programs.
Additional information presented by Laura and Mayra included information about the Library’s Youth Resources, which include Homework Help, Personalized Reading Recommendations, Preschool Book Storytime Visits and Assistance with Student Research Projects. Teen Resources available include a Teen Advisory Board, Volunteer Opportunities, and Homework Help. Go to www.libraryteens@carlsbadca.gov for more information. Also mentioned was a Career Online High School where people who do not have a high school diploma can complete the necessary requirements for a high school diploma. The Exploration Hub offers 3D printing, Adobe Creative Suite, Custom Designs all available for anyone over 13 years of age. You can earn more at www.carlsbadca.gov/HUB .
Complete information about Bike Safety rules and regulations can be obtained at www.carlsbadca.gov/safestreets .
YES Director Rosemary Eshelman gave those in attendance a chance to introduce themselves and explain a little about their organization as well as any upcoming activities they might have. In attendance were representatives from Parks and Rec, Senior Center, the Carlsbad Police Department, Vista Community Clinic, North County Lifeline, Interfaith Services, Fleet Science Center, Move Your Feet Before You Eat, the Carlsbad Unified School District Superintendent, CHS High School Principal, Sage Creek High School Principal, Valley Middle School Principal, Jefferson Elementary School Principal, Carlsbad Unified Community Liaisons, Mira Costa College Representatives, Carlsbad Director of Secondary Curriculum, New Village Arts Theatre, Carlsbad High School PTA, Carlsbad Village Merchants Association, Community members, San Dieguito Alliance for Drug Free Youth, North Coastal Prevention Coalition and the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. Also in attendance was Mike Curtin, candidate for Mayor of Carlsbad.
