A Rhythmic Start to Summer Reading

In front of the library, Sienna Childres and her sister Sasha work on coloring in one of the murals at the Summer Reading Program Kickoff. Their sister Yvette was supervising (off camera, but not wanting to be left out of the fun). – Photo by Susan Motander

By Susan Motander

The Summer Reading Program at Monrovia Public Library got a big start last Saturday. This year the theme is “Reading to the Rhythm” and that was music to the ears of those attending the event. Every sort of music was evident, from Giving Bach to the Monrovia High School Drumline, and there was dancing from the macarena to the hula.

One of the highlights of the event was the “Instrument Petting Zoo.” “Sam I Am,” the Music Man from the Joe Ferrante Music Academy, brought several instruments from the school to provide young people with a hands-on opportunity to play those instruments. There was a keyboard, a violin, a xylophone, and lots of percussion pieces with which the children could experiment. There was even a collection of water glasses available for making music.

Children even had an opportunity to make their own instruments – maracas and kazoos, with help from Kohl’s Associates in Action. These are volunteers from Kohl’s department stores who donate their time to charities in their communities.

Greeting everyone in front of the library were two giant color-by-number murals designed by Mt. Sierra College students Scott Lane and Laura De Costa, who won an inter-school competition to display this year’s rhythmic theme.

The entire community was invited to assist in giving the murals color. They are still on display in the library and are awaiting additional coloring work from volunteers.

Andres Cadillas (on keyboards) accompanies his brother Sebastian (on violin) at Monrovia Public Library’s Summer Reading Program kick off last Saturday. The two were enjoying the Instrument Petting Zoo. – Photo by Susan Motander

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