Library program encourages kids to read
Last summer, earning time on the computer was no easy task for 11-year-old Tre Haag. His mother, Nancy, set a rule for her six children: For every one hour of reading she allows a half-hour of computer time.
“I hated reading,” Tre said.
Things are different this year, thanks in part to the efforts of the Coeur d’Alene Public Library. Tre and his five sisters participated in the “Dragons, Dreams and Daring Deeds” reading program, where children are awarded prizes for time spent reading. Gift certificates for Papa Murphy’s pizza, Pretzel Maker pretzels and TCBY frozen treats provided some incentive to Tre. So did his sister, Jillian, who is two years younger and was pages ahead in the reading competition last year.
The program led Tre to types of books he never tried before, he said. He found that he liked fantasy. His books grew bigger as he was drawn into 400-page stories about quests, missions and evil spells. Settings from the 1600s fascinated him. Reading a 160-page book in one evening was no problem. Tre was soon making three entries per week in the library reading contest. For every three hours of reading, a slip is entered for an additional prize drawing. No longer was Tre asking his mother if he could earn credit for reading a preschool book to his toddler sister.
He gives a simple explanation for his sudden turnaround.
“I just got some books I liked and they inspired me,” he said. “You’ve got to find the right book.”
Nancy Haag was surprised by her son’s new love of books.
“It’s something he now says he enjoys rather than something he has to do,” she said. “I didn’t think this would happen.”
As a former teacher to her home-schooled children, Haag gives credit to the library staff for Tre’s change of heart about books. At the Coeur d’Alene library and North Idaho Christian School, where Tre will be entering seventh grade this fall, the librarians helped Tre explore new interests.
“They don’t pressure the kids,” she said. “They are very accepting and encouraging.”
The family moved from Rhode Island to Coeur d’Alene in 2003. They are fans of the Coeur d’Alene Public Library story hours, which they attend together every Wednesday during the summer. Haag appreciates that all of the children are welcome even if it means moving the group from the library’s cramped basement onto the lawn. The Haags enjoyed this summer’s programs, which included crafts, jugglers and a visit from Mayor Sandi Bloem who was crowned “Queen of Coeur d’Alene” to fit the medieval theme.
In Rhode Island, the family waited in line for story hours and the number of children who could attend was restricted.
“There are so many more people there,” Tre said.
Tre spent about 120 hours reading this summer. His efforts were rewarded when his name was selected for the library’s end-of-summer prize contest last week. He won a set of juggling balls and a book that teaches the skill.
In addition to reading, he enjoys playing on the Sting soccer team, fishing with his father, Gene, and wrestling with his two dogs. He is an honor roll student, chess club member and he watches little television. He hasn’t given up his computer games, but no longer worries about his mother’s reading requirements to earn the time.
He offers advice for other kids who are struggling to get through a story.
“Find a good book,” he said.