Published: October 21, 2007 12:59 am      

Students to participate in reading program

The Huntsville Public Library will continue its annual reading program, Reading is Fundamental, Monday and continue through Friday as Huntsville third-graders, teachers and support staff come to the library for a second session throughout the week during school hours.

The first session took place in September when students toured of the library and chose a book to take home with them.

Linda Dodson, director of library services, said all public and private schools in the area as well as parents of home-schooled students are invited to this event.

“This program is to encourage children to read,” Dodson said. “We want kids to know that the library is here, it’s free and open for them to come read and learn new things.”

Terrie Newman, library supervisor, said the Huntsville Area Rhetoric Team will be presenting literary interpretations of selected books to the third-graders at the library during the second session.

“HART is a home-schooled group of children who will perform oral presentations — they’ll do voices and a little drama, too,” Newman said. “It’s entertaining and helps kids get in touch with what the books are about.”

Newman said the team has children ranging from age six to some in their teens.

“This team has been in competitions and done really well,” Newman said. “I haven’t got to see them perform yet, but they gave a presentation last year here at the library and I’ve heard everyone really enjoyed it.”

Third-graders will also get to choose a second book to take home for free, Newman said.

The third session of Reading Is Fundamental will take place in December.

“This is a really fun thing,” Newman said. “During the last session, students are going to receive their own library card — they love this.”