The Zinghoppers
We hope the interactive singing and dancing will motivate children to read and continue participating in library events and programming. The animal theme of their program should encourage children to take an interest in checking out animal themed books thus putting our library collection to good use. The children should be able to learn some really neat songs and gain an appreciation for singing, dancing and reading. Anecdotal responses will be collected.
The children seemed to gain an appreciation for singing and dancing. It was hoped that the program would get kids fired up for reading or educate them in a different way but the performance might not have as much of a lasting effect as hoped for. There was really only one performer (we originally thought the whole Zinghoppers group was going to attend) and she didn't seem overly motivated at 10:00 in the morning. However the program was different from the usual so it was well received by some, and some families reported that their children continued singing the songs at home.
Partnering with other PCLS libraries helped make the program affordable. The star Herald Newspaper provided free advertising. The KQAD radio station provided free advertising. The Friends of the Rock County Library provided assistance to staff the program. The Community Education program provided advertising in their newsletter.