By Kevin Brown
EAGLE TIMES STAFF
CLAREMONT – You can thank the Dr. Seuss character “Mr. Brown” – who can Moo (Can You?) – as one of the motivating factors (and fun-to-read books) that helped two Claremont students become “Reading Rock Stars” on April 7.
The students earning the awards are Martille Mayer, daughter of Jesse and Renee Mayer of Claremont, and Jevin Bergeron, son of Cory and Tina Bergeron of Claremont. They earned their recognition by successfully completing the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge hosted by the Children’s unit of the library.
Mayer is a student at Newport Montessori School and Bergeron is a kindergarten student at Maple Avenue School, Claremont.
Martha DeTore-Woods, children’s librarian, said on April 7 when the children received their official certificates, medals, and reading gifts that the program’s goal was to have parents read the books to their children to build an early interest in and love of books.
DeTore-Woods said the program started pre-pandemic but was slowed as COVID-19 took hold. There are several area children registered for the program and DeTore-Woods hopes these two early honorees will help motivate more parents to re-engage with this rewarding program.
“We encourage them all to come back and follow their lead,” DeTore-Woods said, noting 2023 is the 150th Anniversary year of the original library building.
The certificates and medals were awarded by City Librarian Michael Grace. The gifts were presented by DeTore-Woods.
Tina Bergeron said this type of program is very important, as is the library itself.
“Reading is a very important part of learning, but the library and their programs are even more important,” Bergeron said. “Because the library introduces children to more than just books. It introduces them to a new adult – the librarian, other friends, and the chance to explore their favorite hobbies, characters and so much more.”
Renee Mayer said the library has made both her and her daughter feel welcome and inspired.
“We started this program in December 2020 and ended March 2023 having read more than 900 individual books, some twice,” Mayer said. “We moved from Portland, OR, to Claremont during the pandemic and Martha [DeTore-Woods] made us feel so welcome. Martille’s favorite place is the library.”
The library also has two other ongoing Children’s programs. A Story Time is hosted from 9:30 a.m. — 10 a.m. every Wednesday. A new program called “Something Saturdays” is a drop-in event “where crafts and fun collide.”
For more information on the Children’s Room at the library, call 603-542-7017 or visit the Fiske Free Library. Full information on the library may be found online at https://www.claremontnh.com/fiske-free-library-landing-page.
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