Summer Reading Program Ends with a Bang

This summer at the , a group of kids found inspiration and connection to a language we sometimes take for granted – music.

Bethlehem native Daria travels the world to offer children the experience of world music.

The program entitled, “One World – Many Stories" encompassed Daria's love for music through a variety of instruments that are used around the world. The program began on June 20.

Daria's won awards for her children's CD's, including a Parent's Choice Award and Children's Music Web Award. She's traveled the world from Pennsylvania and Texas to Israel and Peru.

With approximately 120 kids signed up for the reading program, most participated, according to Youth Service Librarian Katie Swallow.

The kids were required to keep reading logs and came in each week with the number of minutes read to receive prizes and goodies.

The teen group was much smaller this summer, but Swallow said many did sign up for the sweet incentive of receiving a candy bar for each book they signed out of the library.

Recently, the program's completion was celebrated with an interactive concert by Daria. There was cake and goodie bags with several donations from local businesses, including Thunderbird Lanes and Papa John's coupons.

The music of Daria is very “hands on” said Swallow. Much of the music has an African theme with authentic instruments the kids got to experience first-hand. Instruments like the 'Shekere' which is from Africa and made out of a hallow gourd. A netting surrounds the gourd and lined with seeds or beads that make a rattling sound when played.

Other instruments played in Daria's programs include the "Digderidoo," which was originally made in Austrialia from a hollow tree branch.

And for some home-made fun, you can make your own Washboard instrument with a real washboard and use thimbles to play it.  (Daria's website has info on how to make your own instruments at home!)

Two-year old Braeden of Warminster was awestruck by the music. His mother, Rochelle, said he loves music and especially the 'finger plays' they did during the reading program. Braeden's favorite, said his mom, were books about the desert and the beach.

“It's all about empowering kids...letting them explore the world of music in a way that unlocks the amazing talent and inner beauty they naturally posses,” stated Daria.

You can learn more about Warminster Library programs at: http://www.warminstertownship.org/library/programs.htm