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36 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday July 11, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Lego fun and LOL@your public library this summer C hildren and parents are discovering the laughs and giggles in reading at this year's TD Summer Reading Club at the Oakville Public Library. Our theme this year is LOL@ your library this summer and our children have been having lots of silly fun so far. If you haven't already signed up, there is still time ­ Aug 18 is the last day for reporting. The TD Summer Reading Club promotes the enjoyment of reading to young people and encourages them to visit the library during the summer. Two months away from school causes many children to lose literacy skills. When they return to school in September, they have ground to make up. The TD Summer Reading Club offers families fun and free activities to encourage children to read and continue developing their literacy skills throughout the summer months. Research says children should read at least six books throughout the summer to maintain the same reading level they had at the end of the previous school year. Literacy Specialists emphasize the importance of parents encouraging their children to read throughout the summer and to provide opportunities for learning. At OPL, qualified library staff are perfectly placed to work with children and parents to find what stories excite them. Whether it is books, magazines, movies, comic books, or websites; what's important is that the children read and enjoy it. OPL Children's Advocate Sharon Yates looks forward to this time of the year during the TD Summer Reading Club, "Kids and their parents will be milling through the aisles of the children's section looking for books to take out on loan. It is one of the best times of the year for those of us who love to make the literacy connection with the families of Oakville" Last year, more than 4,200 children experienced nearly 30,000 books! Thanks to sponsors, participating children are enjoying great prizes and incentives as they laugh their way through the program. Don't forget that Madame Buskerfly, a Canadian family and children's entertainer will be performing juggling, stilt walking, magic and much more. Madame Buskerfly will host a special party at each library branch during the week of Aug. 18 to celebrate the reading success of everyone who completes the program. From Laughs to Lego at Oakville Public Library -- we are very excited to make an attempt to interest students aged 9-14 years, in science and technology, by offering some Lego Robotics Workshops this summer. These workshops will be an introduction to the program of FLL -- First Lego League. FLL is an exciting and fun global robotics program that ignites an enthusiasm for discovery and technology in kids aged 9-14 years. Youths who participate embark on an adventurous challenge, based on current, real-world issues. Guided by a team and assisted by mentors, the kid's research and solve a problem, present their research and solutions and build an autonomous robot using engineering concepts. The First Lego League offers an opportunity for engagement through creativity, technology or research. This unique approach dares kids to test, explore, expand or completely change thoughts and approaches to science. OPL's four introductory workshops will take place on Tuesdays from 3:30 ­ 4: 40 p.m. beginning Aug. 5 at the Clearview Neighbourhood Branch. These workshops are offered to kids in Grades 4-8. Space is limited. Contact the Clearview Branch at 905-815-2034. For more information about our children's programs and other services provided by the Oakville Public Library, please visit www.opl.on.ca. -- Submitted by the Oakville Public Library.