"Book Blow Out" events will be held Saturday on both St. Thomas and St. Croix to mark the beginning of the Third Annual Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge program, the governor’s office announced Wednesday.
Island youngsters are invited to participate in the event from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Tutu Park Mall on St. Thomas and 1 to 5 p.m. at the Sunny Isle Mall on St. Croix.
According to the announcement, the events highlight Gov. John deJongh Jr.’s focus on education, reading, and literacy as fundamental towards building a future of academic and personal success for all V.I. children.
Students in public, private and parochial schools in grades kindergarten through sixth are invited to take the governor’s challenge and read five or more books this summer.
“Every year, we organize these events to raise awareness of the benefits of reading and also to ensure that children have the tools necessary to succeed and advance their educational pursuits," deJongh said. "I thank the students and their parents for participating in this summer program and encourage all students to make reading a priority every day.”
Saturday’s events will feature books written by local authors, including "The Big Roar" by Mim Green and Phillis Gershator (for students in kindergarten through second grade), "Hoping for a Hurricane" by Phillis Gershator (for students in third and fourth grade) and "Moko Jumbie Dreams" by Alscess Lewis-Brown for students in fifth and sixth grade.
The governor encourages students to read at least four additional books in order to complete his challenge.
E-books can be downloaded for free at www.virginislandspubliclibraries.org. A link to the governor’s summer reading program is viewable on the website’s front page. The contest also encourages students to visit their public libraries and sign up for a library card, as well as utilize the community bookmobile in their neighborhood.
Students who keep track of their reading and finish a minimum of five books during the summer will be invited to a “Fun Day” with the governor at the end of the summer. The events will be held in both districts to recognize student achievement.
Students can also write to the governor throughout the summer to report their progress in the reading program or to post their comments, which the governor will monitor, at www.readfive.org.
Reading Challenge participants can also enjoy special Father’s Day activities at the site of the Book Blow Out events. On St. Thomas, families are invited to participate in the Father’s Day Scavenger Hunt at Tutu Park Mall. Registration begins at 10 a.m., and the scavenger hunt, for ages 4-11, will begin at 11 a.m.. More information is available by calling 775-4658 or 777-7144.
On St. Croix, Father’s Day activities, including music, gift giveaways and promotions, begin at 11 a.m. in the courtyard at the Sunny Isle Shopping Center. The Ebenezer Methodist Steel Orchestra and DJ Swain will provide entertainment. Further information is available at 778-5830.
The bookmobile will be at both events.
The governor’s Summer Reading Challenge is a partnership of the Office of the Governor, the Department of Education, the V.I. Public Libraries, and Learn-It Systems Corporation and is sponsored by TV 2, Da Vybe, Malvern V. Gumbs of Spectrum Band and the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands.