Dozens of kids and parents turned out at the Blaine Library for a visit by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter on Tuesday, June 12. The visit is one of of 11 scheduled throughout the summer as part of Blaine Library’s “Dream Big, READ!” campaign.

Children’s librarian Cindy Leffel, who organized the campaign, said visits by local professionals will show children how far reading and writing skills can take them. Most visitors will show off equipment or skills vital to their jobs and read a story to the children as part of the summer-long program.

2012 is the first year for the “Dream Big, READ!” events, Leffel said. Lizz Roberts, the community relations coordinator for the Whatcom County Library System, said other libraries across the county are considering similar campaigns.

“”You could say [Blaine’s campaign] is a pilot program,” Roberts said.
 
Dream Big, READ! Schedule of Events

June 19: A Birch Equipment driver will read a story and have some big equipment on hand for viewing at the library. For children of all ages.

June 26: A WTA bus driver who will park at the library and read a story to the children on the bus. For children of all ages.

July 3: No Dream big event: Friends of the Library setting up July 4th Book Sale

July 10:  An officer from the Blaine Police Department will read a story and have his police car at the library for viewing. For children of all ages.

July 17: North Whatcom Fire and Rescue firemen will bring a firetruck and read a story. For kids of all ages.

July 24: A CBP officer will read a story and have snowmobiles on hand to see at the library. For kids of all ages.

July 31: A U.S. Coast Guard officer will read a story and bring a rescue boat to show off. The officer will also share information about the Pelican Pollution Prevention Program. For kids of all ages.

August 7: Blaine area chefs will read a story in the library meeting room and show and teach their special skills to children of all ages.

August 14: Representatives from Blaine’s Early Learning Department will come to the library for "Play & Learn," an event geared toward younger children, however children of all ages welcome.

August 21: No Dream big event: WCLS Board of Trustees meeting in the library meeting room

August 28: The Bookmobile will bring story time to the Blaine Library parking lot. For children of all ages.