Take a Trip to the Vailsburg Public Library

Libraries are happening places and the Vailsburg Branch of the Newark Public Library has a lot happening this month and into the summer. Most of these happenings are geared towards kids and teens, but are parent friendly, too.

The branch manager is Librarian Ina Rimpau. Rimpau came to the Vailsburg Branch in January, but is not new to Newark. "I've been with the Newark Public Libraries for 15 years," said Rimpau. "Recently, I  managed the Branch Brook branch of the system."

She is excited about ongoing and upcoming programs, which included an arts and crafts program and a spelling bee earlier this month.

Later this summer, the Vailsburg branch will host a big music party to celebrate the Newark wide Summer Reading Challenge themed: "One World, Many Stories."

"Everyone in the Vailsburg community is invited to the main Washington Street library for a kick off event in late June. Then we have a fabulous party planned here while the program is in full swing," said Rimpau. "'Stories in Motion,' a wonderful dance studio, will be bringing in a program of 'Song, Dance and Story Telling.' "

The music, dances and stories, geared towards toddlers to young teens, will encompass different cultures worldwide to reflect the reading challenge.

The Summer Reading Challenge pairs up students with books, through the help of the Prudential Foundation, which underwrites some of the cost of the books. Students come from day camps and summer programs to the library.

Students are challenged to see how many books they can read over the summer. They record their books and report to the library each week through July. "The younger readers can draw a picture or talk to us about the story," said Rimpau. "Older kids write reports." Each week, they are given small prizes. At the end of the program, there is a ceremony at the main Washington Street Branch for the big winners who are photographed receiving award certificates and bags of books.

"Kids have so many distractions today, but we get them involved in reading, too," said Rimpau. The maximum number of reports allowed is 200 and kids can check out six books a day.

"The parents also get actively involved. Parents become inspired and check out books," she said. "I don't want the parents or kids to just sit and watch a program. I want them to think: 'I can do that.' "

The Vailsburg Branch of the Newark Public Library is at 75 Alexander St. Call (973) 733 7749 or 7755. Click here for more information.