Amanda Mass, a fourth grader, thought that the North Bergen Free Public Library’s Summer Program was “pretty fun.”
“My favorite part is reading, because everyone says I’m a good story-maker and it makes me feel happy,” said Mass, who was also there to get extra help in math.
The library, located at 8411 Bergeline Ave., hosted programs this summer for a range of ages in the community. They include activities for toddlers, like story time and arts and crafts, and even programs for teens and adults, like culture cuisine and yoga classes. But some of the most popular programs are reading and math remedial or enrichment instruction, which are provided for ages 6 through 12 every morning. After hitting the books, these students can stick around in the library and play the Wii, sing Karaoke, play trivia, or make their own artistic creations.
“When I grow up I want to be an architect.” – Billy Xique
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The program is run by library staff, North Bergen teacher Seema Khan, and a few volunteers. Rao said that they cap enrollment at 65 students per summer, but in August, when some kids are on vacation, they will let anyone join in and get help.
Getting help with school
For Robert Fulton School rising seventh grader Billy Xique, the library’s summer program has helped him learn and become a stronger student. His cousin signed him up two years ago and he has been attending during the summer ever since.
“[This program is important] because when I grow up I want to be an architect,” said Xique, who explained that receiving help with math was his favorite part of the day.
Tarina Luperon has had her daughter Kiomoi enrolled for the last three years. She said the library keeps kids entertained, learning, and out of trouble.
She said that when Kiomoi started the course this summer, she was “a little apprehensive,” but after the second week she was reading on a higher level.
“The kids will be entertained instead of hanging out in the park, they won’t lag behind when they start the school year,” said Luperon.
Sanber Melwani, 16, is North Bergen resident and a rising senior at Paramus Catholic who has been volunteering at the library for a few years now. He said that math is a struggle with many of the students, but that they all strive to learn and set out to achieve their goals.
“I’ve learned a lot from them,” said Melwani. “I’ve learned that I have to be really patient with them and that they want to learn, so that is the best thing about it.”
Rao’s daughter Shivani also volunteers, but with arts and crafts and trivia. She said that she likes to assist the instructors, because if children ever need help, someone will be there.
Strengthening the community
Luperon said that some of the parents hang out while their kids are being tutored. They talk about the latest books they’ve read or stay afterward for activities with their children. They said that they have developed new companionships.
Library employee Tracey Rivera, who often runs the fun activities in the afternoon, said that instead of being on the computer, people have been able to develop a community through the summer programs.
“It brings everyone together in the building,” said Rao.
Tricia Tirella may be reached at TriciaT@hudsonreporter.com.