Community News

     Fizz! Boom! Read!, a science-based theme, is the overall theme for Oswego Bookmobile’s 2014 summer program.  Each week of the summer, from July 7 to Aug. 22, has its own theme as well. The Bookmobile has scheduled events throughout the summer to promote reading to children. At every site, the Bookmobile will provide children under the age of 18 with a snack and a free book.

     The theme for July 7 through July 11 is “R2D2 comes to you!” This week focuses on robots. SUNY Oswego will place its robot “NAO” on the Bookmobile.  NAO will show off his tricks, such as his dance moves and his excellent speaking skills.

     The theme for July 14 through 18 is “Imagination Creation!” During this week, children will be engaged in wonderband activities, making items such as bracelets, headbands, and bookmarks, as well as reading to learn how to make them.

     July 21 through July 28 is “Bubbles and Books” week and July 28 through Aug. 1 is “Get Your Game On” week. Special events and activities are scheduled for both weeks.

     “Superheroes” zoom in Aug. 4 through Aug. 8.  The Bookmobile has an abundance of superhero books, plus graphic novels and comics.  The Avengers, Spiderman and more are waiting to be chosen this week.

     Do you love Legos?  Then Aug. 11 through Aug. 18 is the week you’ve been waiting for.  This week is devoted to “Engineering and Legos.” Get ready to construct and design because this week will be for building things; anything from skyscrapers to just playing with legos.  

     Aug. 18 through Aug. 22 is the final week and the theme is “Great Books: They’ll Blow Your Mind!”

     During the summer, the Oswego Bookmobile also participates in movie nights with the Oswego County Federal Credit Union at East Park.  Movie nights include popcorn, a 55 foot movie screen, games on the Wii, face painting, and other forms of fun and games, along with the Bookmobile and free books distributed.  There may even be a character or two in costume. 

     The first movie night was on June 18, and was a huge success.  The movie “Frozen” was shown in the park and many people came to watch. Many children left with a free book. People also had a chance to participate in a game to guess movies or television shows based on theme songs, while children played in the park.

     The next movie night is July 16 and “Despicable Me 2” will be playing.  After that, there is one more movie on Aug. 20, “The Lego Movie.”  The movie cannot be shown until the sun has set, so expect to stay late.  Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and relax!

     The Bookmobile will also be in the Fourth of July Parade on July 6.  Bookmobile Student Advisory Council representatives will be marching in the parade wearing their pink or orange tie-dye T-shirts.  Some of the students will be wearing costumes.  

     Bookmobile Student Advisory Council members will also be helping out at Harborfest on July 25 and 26.  There will be a section of books just for Middle and High schoolers available there.

     Many students have already had a chance to view the inside of the Bookmobile, which was recently updated by driver Harry Farrell, Hope Mazuroski, Joan Dain, Kathy Mantaro, Kris Rookey, and many other volunteer staff.  Students across Oswego City School District were able to see a small  selection of the books on the Bookmobile and be entertained by some of the antics of the NAO robot from SUNY Oswego. 

     After having the opportunity to see this, many students were heard talking about how it was “awesome and sweet” and how they “have to visit.”  

     “It’s torture to be on here (the Bookmobile) and not take a book,” Ella Shambo from Leighton Elementary said.

     Damian Schofield from SUNY Oswego had the NAO robot dancing to “Thriller” and talking to students about the importance of reading.  He encouraged all the children to read their math and science so that they, too, could pursue careers in computer games and technology.

     The Bookmobile also appeals to adults.  

     “It’s heaven on here,” teacher Heather Wood said when she brought her class aboard the mobile.

     The Driving Books Home program for summer 2014 is brought to children and parents in the community by a partnership of the Oswego YMCA, SUNY Oswego, Oswego Public Library, and the Oswego City School District.  They hope to encourage students to keep reading all summer.