YOUTHS CREATE 'RAIN FORESTS'; PROJECT PART OF LIBRARY'S READING PROGRAM

Several students created miniature versions of the exotic ecosystems of rain forests as part of a reading program at the Cape Girardeau Public Library Wednesday.

The library's youth services department began sponsoring its annual winter reading program Jan. 26. This year's theme is "Discover the Reading Rain Forest." The reading program runs for 10 weeks and ends March 20.

The program already has 269 participants this year, 25 more than were registered in the initial year last winter. Young people to age 18 earn prizes as they read library books on their own or have library books read to them.

After completing 20 hours of reading, children are eligible for a grand-prize drawing and a free book.

"Any book checked out from the library counts in the program," said Ann Randolph, youth services coordinator. "Because it's based on the time read instead of the number of books read, it balances out the playing field so every child benefits regardless of their reading level."

In keeping with the program's theme, students were invited to watch a video of "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss during an afternoon program Wednesday. In the video, fictional characters are coupled with a rhythmic rhyme pattern to tell what happens when an animal's natural habitat is destroyed.

"The story parallels the plight of the rain forest," said librarian Tiffani Addington. "Although it is a fictional work, it's really close to what's actually happening."

After viewing the video, students met a sun conure, a small parrot whose origins are from South American rain forests. Children then were allowed to create their own rain forests using one-gallon pickle jars, gravel, carbon, dirt and various plants.

First they layered the gravel, carbon and dirt in the jar and then planted their plants. Once the rain forest was complete, the jar was sealed.

"If they put it in indirect sunlight it will continually recycle itself," Addington said. "Hopefully the one we keep here will work out, and they'll be able to check its progress whenever they come back to the library."

Children may register for the winter reading program through March 13 at the youth services desk at the library, 711 N. Clark. For registration information call the library at (573) 334-5279.

The program was made possible in part by a donation from the Fraternal Order of Eagles 3775.