The winters of New England may be unpredictable, but one thing that remains constant is the Mattapoisett Free Public Library’s reading programs for children. No matter how foul – or benign – the weather may be, the youth of Mattapoisett often spend their winter vacations reading books suggested to them by the librarians. This year, however, the winter reading program is going to be a bit different with the addition of the Quahog Book Award. For the first time in the history of the library, children from grades 3, 4, 5, and 6 will be voting on the recipients (one per grade) of this new award, which is a seal that will be affixed to the book copies belonging to the Mattapoisett Free Public Library.
“[The award] will encourage children to read quality literature and to choose their favorite from a list of ten nominated titles,” said Jessica Noblet, the Secretary of the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library and initiator of the Quahog Book Award. “Each grade level will be given their own list of ten nominated books from which they can read as many titles as they choose.” The ten books on each list were nominated by the Quahog Committee, which Ms. Noblet said consists of the Friends, children’s librarians, and school library media specialists. The lists include books from various genres so as to appeal to all interests.
“Flyers will be sent home with students at Center School and Old Hammondtown School,” Ms. Noblet said about the winter reading program. “The students need to come into the library and register to participate, at which time they will be given the list of books for their grade level.” Ms. Noblet added that the children need to register at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library by January 20. The winter reading program continues through the month of February into mid-March, with the voting period taking place between March 17 and March 23. “Voting on their favorites will be done by ballot at the library,” Ms. Noblet said.
Unlike the other reading programs that the Mattapoisett Free Public Library has, namely the summer reading program, this winter reading program will not have drop-in crafts or special story times. (Dates and times for the regular story times are available in the children’s room at the librarian’s desk.) Also, the winter reading program is different from the summer reading program in that it is not part of a national initiative to increase literacy. The Quahog Book Award is only being done at Mattapoisett library, Ms. Noblet said, and is not part of the SAILS Library Network.
The four winners of the Quahog Book Award will be announced on Tuesday, March 27, at 5:30 pm at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library at a pizza party. All winter reading program participants will be invited to attend. “The Quahog Book Seal is in the process of being created,” Ms. Noblet said about its design, “but it will be circular and simple. It will have a drawing of a quahog and state ‘Quahog Book Award chosen by Mattapoisett Youth.’” The style is in keeping with the Caldecott Medal.
Children who read at least five nominees from their grade’s list will be invited to a sleepover in the library, to be called “Quahog Night.” The sleepover will be from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am and will have snacks, games, movies, and crafts. “We will hold a sleepover for the girls on Friday, March 23,” Ms. Noblet said, “and a sleepover for the boys on Friday, March 30.”
“This is the first year we are launching the award / program,” Ms. Noblet said, “and it is only being offered to grades 3 – 6. If we find that it is successful and interest is shown at the young adult level, we will consider including them next year.”
By Anne Smith