Summer reading adventures at Dorsch Memorial Branch Library

Lisa Vidaurri Bowling, The Monroe News

MONROE — Readers can go on an adventure with Monroe’s beloved Little Brown Bear. Dorsch Memorial Branch Library and 28 businesses in downtown Monroe are teaming up for this summer’s reading program.

This year’s theme, “Adventure starts at your library,” invites readers to pick up a form at Dorsch, 18 E. First St., before going on a journey looking for post cards displayed in business windows.

Locations of where Little Brown Bear has traveled will correspond with each business. On the back of each card is a personal message and a paw print.

Every year, Karen Sweat, youth service technician at the library, tries to incorporate area businesses with the programs she organizes. She’s been with the downtown library since 2018.

Constantine Northrop, 3, imitates the Little Brown Bear statue outside the Dorsch Memorial Branch Library while his little brother Cyrus Northrop, 2, sits nearby. As part of the summer reading program, the boys will be looking for postcards on the store fronts in downtown Monroe of the Little Brown Bear's adventures.
Constantine Northrop, 3, imitates the Little Brown Bear statue outside the Dorsch Memorial Branch Library while his little brother Cyrus Northrop, 2, sits nearby. As part of the summer reading program, the boys will be looking for postcards on the store fronts in downtown Monroe of the Little Brown Bear's adventures.

“I wanted us to get involved in the downtown area since we’re a part of it,” Karen Sweat said. “Every summer, we’ve had a downtown event and I try to make it correspond with our theme. With this year’s theme, what better way to go on an adventure than with Little Brown Bear going to different places.”

Readers of all ages are welcome to participate. However, only readers age 16 and younger can enter to win.

Constantine Northrop, 3, looks up at the Little Brown Bear statue outside the Dorsch Memorial Branch Library in downtown Monroe. His little brother Cyrus Northrop, 2, sits nearby. This year's summer reading program will highlight postcards in downtown Monroe businesses of Little Brown Bear's adventures.
Constantine Northrop, 3, looks up at the Little Brown Bear statue outside the Dorsch Memorial Branch Library in downtown Monroe. His little brother Cyrus Northrop, 2, sits nearby. This year's summer reading program will highlight postcards in downtown Monroe businesses of Little Brown Bear's adventures.

Sweat said although there is an age limit to enter the drawing, families often work together to complete the form and the businesses enjoy that.

“With the different postcards, I thought it would be fun for kids to see the different locations," she said.

Subscribe Now: For all the latest local developments, breaking news and high school sports content.

Once the form is complete, it can be returned to the library to be entered for a drawing to win a prize. The program, sponsored by Downtown Monroe Business Network, is open to all Monroe County residents and runs until July 31. The drawing will take place Aug. 1.

Little Brown Bear Adventures postcard on a downtown Monroe store front, above Gateway Arch National Park.
Little Brown Bear Adventures postcard on a downtown Monroe store front, above Gateway Arch National Park.

Businesses displaying post cards include Jacobs Architects, Haircutters/Wise Guy, Williams Insurance Agency, RRCA, Rurka Law/Kyrsten Niemiec, Two French Hens, Public House, VinMod, Book Nook, Durocher’s, Cakes by Stephanie, Lotus Financial, Salon Be Downtown, Salon 23, Monroe County Museum, Frenchie’s Fine Jewelry & Coins, Martin’s Shoe House, Lightbulb Learning Center, Anthony Fischer Agency – Farmers Insurance, BYP Studios/Floral City Images, Alexander Studios, Tiffany Hamilton Photography, Mullins Elder Law, Evolve Salon and Co., First Presbyterian Church, The Advance Group, Logan Charles Salon and Tiffany’s Pizza.

Forms are available online or can be picked up at the library.

Little Brown Bear Adventures postcard on a downtown Monroe store front, above The Great Wall of China.
Little Brown Bear Adventures postcard on a downtown Monroe store front, above The Great Wall of China.

Little Brown Bear Adventure Drawing Contest

At the recent downtown open-air market, aspiring artists drew pictures of Little Brown Bear on an adventure. The drawings, categorized by ages 4-14, are on display at Dorsch Memorial Branch Library. Patrons can vote on their favorite sketch until July 27. Four winners will be announced July 29.

Little Brown Bear's postcard located at a downtown Monroe store front, when he visited Paris, France.
Little Brown Bear's postcard located at a downtown Monroe store front, when he visited Paris, France.

The Reading Dragons

Reading Dragons, a free, card-game based reading incentive program, is available at the Monroe County Library System until Aug. 31. Open to readers age 12 and younger, participants can collect new dragon families each week by reading. A family includes four cards showing the egg, baby, teen and adult of the creature that is chosen.

Readers will receive a reading tracker and starter cards. The tracker (reading log) will keep track of the books read and readers will earn a mythical creature card for each row that is filled. Once a row is complete, the track is brought to the library to get a new family of dragons. A librarian will initial the row as the cards are collected. Readers can receive a new family each week.

On Aug. 31, reading trackers can be submitted (a copy will be made by the library staff) for a chance to win four tickets to The Henry Ford Museum or Greenfield Village in Dearborn. The winner will be announced Sept. 3.

For more information on any of the programs or contests, call 734-241-7878 or check out Dorsch Memorial Branch Library’s Facebook page.

— Contact reporter Lisa Vidaurri-Bowling at lvidaurribowling@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Summer reading program involves downtown Monroe businesses

Advertisement