Radford Public Library & Radford Office on Youth
Lock-In Young Readers

This past Saturday Night, the Radford Public Library and the Radford Office on Youth teamed up to provide local youth an all-night experience of reading, speakers, food, and fun! Twenty-two area children, rising fourth - eighth graders spent the night at the Radford Public Library. The event lasted from 7:00 pm Saturday through 7:00 am Sunday morning.

Some of the highlights of the program included a visit from Roanoke Dazzle Head Coach Kent Davison and Front Office Staffer Heather Carper. The Roanoke Dazzle is one of the eight teams in the National Basketball Developmental League. Coach Davison and Ms. Carper were on hand to promote the NBA's "Read to Achieve" program. The centerpiece of the NBDL community relations efforts is the "Read to Achieve" program, which works to instill a life long love of reading and encourages families and adults to read regularly with young children. Throughout the year, teams execute a number of reading related programs and activities such as the Welcome Back to School events, Read to Achieve Day, and monthly Reading Timeouts. These programs take place at schools, libraries, and community organizations as well as in NBDL arenas. In addition, with the support of national partners such as Reading Is Fundamental and Scholastic Inc., Read to Achieve will provide over 150,000 kids with reading materials such as reading kits and books throughout the eight NBDL communities. Before leaving Coach Davison shared stories of his experiences with the Dazzle and some of the NBA's more famous players. Ms. Carper provided the children with free books, posters and stickers. The children all were eager to get both their autographs.

In addition, a child favorite was on hand to share her talent of storytelling. Professional Storyteller and Belle Heth Elementary School Librarian, Sherri Quesenberry, mesmerized the group of children with frightening and exciting stories. The children provided sound effects as Mrs. Quesenberry brought her tales of "Talley Bone" and "Golden Arm" to life. Storytelling and reading go hand in hand. The children were encouraged by Mrs. Quesenberry to share the stories with others just as she had shared them with the children.

Many times throughout the night, the children took time to read for 15 - 30 minutes. The children completed a total of 1 hour and 15 minutes of reading during the night. Other activities included making tie-dyed t-shirts and pillowcases, a twister tournament, movies complete with popcorn, karaoke and other fun. Sleeping was an option that very few children selected during the night. The Library Lock-In was one on many events and programs being offered in June and July as part of the RPL's Summer Reading Program. The aim of the Summer Reading Program is to provide youth with fun and free activities while promoting a love of reading. If you would like to receive more information on the Summer Reading Program contact the Radford Public Library at 731-3621. To receive information on upcoming Office on Youth programs contact Kevin Heller at 639-6698.