June 6, 2006 > Summer reading fun

by Patricia Ryan

Children of all ages are invited to take a magical trip to Pasquale's Pet Shop by playing the Alameda County Library summer reading game, Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales! The game will be available at all Alameda County Library branches beginning the week of June 12 continuing through August 12. Bonnie Janssen, Children's Services Coordinator says, "In addition to having a rollicking good time, we have found through the years that children who participate in the summer reading game maintain and increase their reading skills."

Children begin by picking up their game board at any Alameda County Library branch. The game board shows the interior of Pasquale's Pet Shop, a very special place where you don't pick a pet, the pets pick you. Reading is the method used to travel through the pet shop. When all the animals have looked you over they will decide which pet you take home. It could be a snake, a fish, a cat, a dog, or a bird. Imagine that! Each 30-minute period of reading entitles a player to one spin of the special dial available at all Alameda County Library branches.

The game is open to all ages, and children not yet reading on their own may count time listening to others read. Readers who reach the first prize square on the path receive a book bag, a bookmark and a pizza certificate from Round Table. They may continue reading and spinning until they reach the end of the path, thus qualifying for special grand prizes - a book, a sticker and a prize from the San Francisco Giants.

Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales! is funded in part by the Alameda County Library Foundation, Round Table Pizza, Oracle and the San Francisco Giants.

In addition to the reading game, special events (storytellers, puppet shows, musicians, etc.) will be offered at all of the Alameda County Library branches as well as the Milpitas Library in Santa Clara County.

Milpitas will offer scrapbooking classes for teens on June 22 and 29, an anime film series in July and a Harry and the Potters concert on July 24.

Adults need to read just two books this summer to participate, and are asked to write a very short review of each. Those who accomplish this will receive a CD and also a coupon for $5 off purchases at the September Friends of the Milpitas Library book sale.

For more information on the summer reading game, library open hours and special events call the branch directly or visit the Alameda County Library's website www.aclibrary.org or the Santa Clara County Library's website at www-lib.co.santa-clara.ca.us