Read for burgers & spring library activities

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Who knew books and burgers go together so well?

“Turns out, In-N-Out Burger does, because their Cover to Cover Club rewards children’s reading with burgers,” shares Library Director Kris Wiley.

Roseburg Public Library invites local children aged 4 to 12 to participate in the program from now through Saturday, April 13. A Roseburg Public Library card is not required.

Parents and children may pick up a reading log at the library, 1409 NE Diamond Lake Blvd. Alternately, school groups may email staff at library@cityofroseburg.org and staff will work through the details with a designated adult.

The log allows children or their parents to track their reading in one of two ways. Children or their parents may count the number of books or minutes they read, or that parents or caregivers read to children. When a child or their parent/caregiver reads five books or for five hours, the child is eligible for a gift card for a free hamburger or cheeseburger at In-N-Out, whose Roseburg location is at 2844 Aviation Drive. Gift cards can be used at any In-N-Out.

Children may continue to read and earn up to three burgers for their efforts.

Each time a milestone is reached, stop by the library’s front desk. Library staff distribute the gift cards, track the number of children participating and log the number of books or minutes read.

“Happy reading and eating!” added Wiley.

The library is ramping up youth programming during spring break.

From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, March 25, through Saturday, March 30, a StoryWalk® will be on display at Stewart Park near the YMCA, 1151 NW Stewart Parkway. Children and families can walk along a nearby multiuse path and enjoy reading “The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse” by Eric Carle.

The project is made possible by the Douglas County Cultural Coalition, Friends of the Roseburg Public Library and Roseburg Parks and Recreation. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vt., and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Storywalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ferguson.

Youth Services Librarian Aurora Ropp will lead activities throughout the week. From 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, the library offers a hands-on activity for pre-kindergarten children through fifth graders. From 3:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, the library offers Legos and building with other materials for all ages. From 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, March 28, the library offers seasonal crafts for kids from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade.

In addition, Ropp will lead Storytime at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, March 27, and Thursday, March 28. She will read stories, sing songs, do finger plays and end with a craft. The program is perfect for kids aged 2 to 5 and their caregivers, although all children and families are welcome.

All programs are free and supplies will be provided. A Roseburg Public Library card is not required.

In addition, families may be interested in two upcoming evening programs.

The Library will offer “Mt. Eddy: Inhospitable Rock, Harsh Climes, Tenacious Flora” presented by Larry Broeker at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21. Broeker, a retired geologist at Umpqua National Forest, will discuss the geology and geobotany of north-central California’s Mt. Eddy -- at 9,025-feet elevation, the highest summit in the Klamath Mountains province.

At 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, the Umpqua Valley Audubon Society and Roseburg Public Library offer a presentation on how beavers impact landscapes and improve habitats. Presenter Dr. Jeff Baldwin, emeritus professor in the Department of Geography, Environment and Planning at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, Calif., will discuss how the beaver changes land and waterscapes, stream suitability for the rodent and their recolonization.

For more information, visit the library’s website at www.roseburgpubliclibrary.org.