Give Our Reading Bugs A Good Home

photo source - Bernardsville Public Library

photo source - Bernardsville Public Library

photo source - Bernardsville Public Library

The children's summer reading program at Bernardsville Public Library is a resounding success due in part to the presence of our charming "reading bugs," some of which are seen above. Located throughout the library, these bug sculptures set a great example for our young patrons to follow all summer long. Created by Keiko Matsuura, a library volunteer, Bernardsville Library's reading bugs have attracted the attention of adults as well as kids. In fact, numerous people have expressed an interest in taking these bugs home. In response to this interest, a silent auction for the reading bugs is now being conducted in the children's wing of the library and will continue until September 13th. If you would like a chance to take home one or more of these loveable, unique reading bugs, enter your bid on the clipboards located in the children's wing. You may continue to "up" your bid as necessary until the closing of the silent auction at noon on September 13th. What a great way to continue the reading fever at your house!

Adult Reading Bugs Can Earn Prizes, Too!

photo source - Bernardsville Public Library

The kids are busy collecting Bernardsville Library "bug bucks" for their summer reading program, but the adults haven't been overlooked. They, too, can join in the fun at Bernardsville Public Library by entering our weekly drawing for great prizes. All they need do is check out any three items at a time and fill out an entry form at the circulation desk. At week's end three names will be picked to receive three great prizes generously donated by local merchants and individuals. The prizes change from week to week and include such fabulous items as gift certificates to Williams Sonoma, Country Mile Gardens and Melan Shoes. The drawings will continue throughout the summer months, so stop by soon.

Thank You, Keiko

photo source - Bernardsville Public Library

Keiko Matsuura, a volunteer in the Youth Services department of Bernardsville Public Library, is responsible for all the charming "reading bugs" that have taken up residence throughout the library. These adorable insects, posed with their books and magazines, mark the beginning of the library's summer reading program called "Catch the Reading Bug @ Bernardsville Library."
Although Keiko has had no formal art training, she is obviously very talented and possesses an artist's eye and imagination. Michaele Casey, Youth Services Librarian, reports that Keiko took her inspiration from the drawings of illustrator, Harry Bliss, bringing his bug illustrations to 3-D life. Using styrofoam balls, corrugated paper, and even some special packaging paper from Japan, Keiko sculpted and formed a variety of insects, turning them into the kinds of bugs we would actually like to have in the library! Keiko carved and sandpapered large styrofoam balls to create the facial structure of each bug and then hand painted them with vivid, eye-catching colors. Posed at ease in beach chairs and on sofas, these larger-than-life reading bugs surely know how to pass a lazy summer day - with a good book, of course!

Bernardsville Library has been so fortunate to have Keiko as a volunteer over the last two years. She moved to Bernardsville with her husband after leaving Japan, where she studied English, and it wasn't long before Keiko found her way to us. She has done children's programs on Japanese culture and origami and will be teaching origami in 3-D for teens on August 4th at the library.

Reading Bugs Make Great Patrons!

photo source - Bernardsville Public Library
photo source - Bernardsville Public Library

photo source - Bernardsville Public Library

photo source - Bernardsville Public Library

photo source - Bernardsville Public Library

Bugs of all kinds, gloriously colored and larger-than-life, have taken up residence in Bernardsville Public Library, marking the beginning of the library's summer reading campaign entitled "Catch the Reading Bug @ Bernardsville Library."

Children aged 2 1/2 years to Grade 6 may register to join the "Catch the Reading Bug" club where they will record their reading minutes, attend fun programming and earn exciting prizes. Teens entering Grades 7 to 12 are invited to participate in their own summer program, "Metamorphosis @ Bernardsville Library." Adults need not feel left out as they will once again be eligible for weekly gifts donated by local merchants if they check out three or more library items at one time.

While these programs begin this Monday, June 23rd, the library will celebrate the summer reading kick-off with a mime performance by Lluana Jones on Saturday, June 21st at 1:30 p.m. followed by an ice cream social sponsored by the Friends of the Bernardsville Public Library. Come join us and the "bugs!"