Some of our earliest Reading Programs

The Friends of the Library donated 2,500 pesos to help cover a budget shortfall in the summer vacation reading program conducted by the Rosarito public libraries. The five libraries conducted simultaneous two week long programs for kids of all ages, meeting each weekday morning for two hours. The theme was Mayan culture, and kids used art and craft projects to depict aspects of Mayan life.
The program concluded with a trip to the Omnimax Theater at CECUT in Tijuana and a final group presentation at the auditorium at CEMAC. Unfortunately, the libraries had no funds for the bus trip to Tijuana nor for the tee shirts that each participant was to wear at the final presentation. That was when the Friends of the Library stepped up with the donation, permitting the planned event to go forward. Additionally, several of the FOL board members made personal contributions so that all of the participating kids could have a commerative tee shirt. FOL was recognized for its support of the libraries and was given a seat on the dais with attending political figures. The photos show some of the craft projects and Mayan dance presentations from the concluding event.
The program concluded with a trip to the Omnimax Theater at CECUT in Tijuana and a final group presentation at the auditorium at CEMAC. Unfortunately, the libraries had no funds for the bus trip to Tijuana nor for the tee shirts that each participant was to wear at the final presentation. That was when the Friends of the Library stepped up with the donation, permitting the planned event to go forward. Additionally, several of the FOL board members made personal contributions so that all of the participating kids could have a commerative tee shirt. FOL was recognized for its support of the libraries and was given a seat on the dais with attending political figures. The photos show some of the craft projects and Mayan dance presentations from the concluding event.
Family History Reading and Writing Program
This program was held at the small Morelos public library, in an area located east of downtown in the far hills. ran for five successive Saturdays. Fifth and sixth grade participants read brief biographies and family histories of selected Mexican heroes. The children practiced their comprehension, recall and writing skills by providing written answers to prepared questions about those heroes. Each participant also followed a prepared format to construct and write his or her own family history. The family history required that the young writers interview parents, grandparents and other family members to gather as much information as possible for inclusion in that history. Spanish speaking volunteers guided and assisted the participants, and scored the written qu iz answers and family history with credit given for penmanship and composition skills, spelling and grammar, neatness, completeness and timeliness.
This program was held at the small Morelos public library, in an area located east of downtown in the far hills. ran for five successive Saturdays. Fifth and sixth grade participants read brief biographies and family histories of selected Mexican heroes. The children practiced their comprehension, recall and writing skills by providing written answers to prepared questions about those heroes. Each participant also followed a prepared format to construct and write his or her own family history. The family history required that the young writers interview parents, grandparents and other family members to gather as much information as possible for inclusion in that history. Spanish speaking volunteers guided and assisted the participants, and scored the written qu iz answers and family history with credit given for penmanship and composition skills, spelling and grammar, neatness, completeness and timeliness.
The program concluded with a gala final Fiesta. The kids and volunteers were thoroughly entertained by a mime who had the spectators in stitches. The kids feasted on a lunch of pizza, spaghetti, salad, chips, juice and milk. Each participant also took home a bag of cookies and a lunch pack provided by DIF. In addition, FOL member Jim Harrington distributed homemade chocolate treats in the shape of flowers for the girls and cars for the boys.
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The personal histories were wonderful to read, and they will represent a cherished memory for the kids who participated in the program. In response to a question on the history form asking what advice the participant would give to the City of Rosarito, the first place winner wrote "Rosarito should have more programs like this so us kids can learn more new things and have fun".
We agree.
We agree.
Reading and Mentoring - a powerful combination
A program at Primo Tapia's library branch served kids of all ages and featured reading circles, oratory competition and coaching, a presentation by a local veterinarian, a talent contest and other events. Snack lunches were provided by DIF with juice boxes and chips supplied by FOL. Raffle prizes each week added to the excitement for the kids. Another such program introduced the young local readers to an airline pilot, opening their eyes to another type of career opportunity.
A program at Primo Tapia's library branch served kids of all ages and featured reading circles, oratory competition and coaching, a presentation by a local veterinarian, a talent contest and other events. Snack lunches were provided by DIF with juice boxes and chips supplied by FOL. Raffle prizes each week added to the excitement for the kids. Another such program introduced the young local readers to an airline pilot, opening their eyes to another type of career opportunity.
The following pages show you some of our more recent programs, including our ongoing Copa Panchito program in the schools, started in 2014.