Library adventure awaits base residents for the summer

Readers of all ages are invited to prepare their minds this summer for travel to an isle where the imagination is a map to a treasure chest filled with knowledge.

“Voyage to Book Island” is the main theme for Camp Pendleton Libraries annual Summer Reading Campaign for 2010. The campaign runs through August 7.

“The program is to keep kids reading throughout the summer,” said Barbara Giberson, children’s librarian, Marine and Family Services, Marine Corps Community Services. “It’s important for children to know that there’s more than just assigned reading; there’s fun reading as well.”

The summer reading campaign is for more than just school-aged children. In addition to “Voyage to Book Island” for kids, the libraries will also have “Escape to Book Island” for teens and “Book Island” for adults.

“This year’s theme is brings the world of pirates, treasure, shipwrecks, beaches and oceans to life, which is entertaining for all ages,” Giberson said.

The goal of the program is to keep people regularly reading as a pastime activity. To encourage participation, participants can win prizes such as books, t-shirts, pencils and pins.

“For every 12 books read, the reader picks out a book from our treasure chest to keep,” said Giberson. “Any book is encouraged; they don’t have to be part of the Book Island theme.”

The campaign will also offer several other activities to keep military families entertained while learning. These events include preschool story time, book bingo and pajama story time for the little ones, and special performances for the whole family every Monday that include a pirate show, a puppet show, a clown, a magician and more.

Base libraries also boost a collection of more than 85,000 books between its three locations, which are at Mainside, South Mesa and Seaside Square. The libraries also carry DVDs, CDs and books-on-tape.

To sign up for any event, visit any base library. The program is open to service members, their families and Department of Defense employees.

For more information, visit the library’s Facebook page at http://www.mccscp.com or call (760) 763-4253.

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