Library Summer Reading Program Kicks off with Concert by Yosi

With plans to hear some Star Wars books, 7-year-old Shane Kapcsos eagerly enrolled in Wall Library's “Read to Me” summer reading program for the first time. 

Shane and his brother, Luke, 3, kicked off their pursuit to hear 20 books each with a free concert Thursday by Yosi, a popular children’s musician.

Nearly 100 parents and young children greeted Yosi, who played guitar and sang during the one-hour event.  Audience participation was in high gear during songs such as "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed" and "Ring Around the Rosie." 

Yosi also showed off several musical instruments from around the world, including a Zambezi River guitar from Africa, a pan flute from Peru, rain sticks from South America, an Australia didgeridoo, and a bulbul tara from India.

“The bulbul tara is a cross between a keyboard and a guitar,” said Yosi.  “See if you can guess what song I am playing.”  The audience quickly recognized the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”

“Our summer reading program has the theme 'One World, Many Stories,'” said Tracey Curtis, Children’s Librarian. “We thought that Yosi’s worldly presentation tied in nicely with our theme.  So far, we have about 100 children registered for the program.”

Alex Flaum, 7, of Spring Lake Heights, is enrolled in the summer reading program with his sisters Addy, 5, and Camille, 2.  “Dragons,” said Alex, when asked what kind of books he plans to read on his own this summer.  His sisters will take part in the “Read to Me” program, which is available for children who cannot yet read on their own. These participants must listen to 20 books during the summer.

Readers up to sixth grade must record a minimum of eight hours spent reading from now through mid-August.  A party is planned for those children who successfully record their 20 books read to them or eight hours reading via the library website.

“We read a lot so I don’t think we’ll have any problem finishing the summer reading program,” said Kristen Kapcsos, of Evans Road, mother of Shane and Luke Kapcsos.

For more information, visit www.monmouthcountylib.org or stop by the Children’s Desk in the Wall Library.