A Branson Middle School student is making a big difference in the lives of others in the community.
Sam Walworth is again hosting his summer book club for young readers. Walworth, who is 12 years old, will be headed to eighth grade in the fall. This is his third summer of organizing and hosting the book club for fifth, sixth and seventh grade readers.
"I started the book club because I saw there was a gap in the ages served by the library summer reading programs, and I wanted to fix that," explained Sam. "I am so grateful that the library gave me the opportunity to create and host the book club."
The Library Center of the Ozarks, formerly the Taneyhills Library, has added teen and adult reading programs to its traditional summer reading club for children, but Sam's book club continues and remains popular with Sam's peers.
"I'm really excited about the books I've selected," noted Sam. "We will be reading “The Candy Shop Wars” by Brandon Mull, “Restart” by Gordon Korman and “The Storm Runner” by J.C. Cervantes. We have interesting discussions and fun activities that expand our understanding about the books."
Response to his Beyond the Book club has been overwhelmingly positive. Said Sam, "I'm so grateful that we have a community that is so supportive of reading."
In addition to reading, Sam's interests include playing tennis, participating in math and coding competitions, listening to music and playing trombone.
Sam's mother, Edee Walworth, shared her thoughts on the Book Club.
Said Edee, "To watch Sam's idea become a reality has been a rewarding experience as a parent. The library has been so supportive of him, and I'm grateful to see Beyond the Book making a difference, not only in Sam's life, but in the lives of other children in our community."
Edee continued, "Sam has learned so much from selecting the books, leading the book club meetings, and planning the activities. It has helped him to work on organization, time management, communication and creativity, which are all important skills to foster."
Beyond the Book meets on Tuesday evenings, June 18, July 9 and August 13, at 5:30 p.m. at the Library Center of the Ozarks, 200 South 4th Street in downtown Branson. Registration is required. To register for the Beyond the Book club, call the Library at 417-334-1418 or visit www.thlibrary.org.
Said Sam, "I can't wait to share the books I have chosen with other people, and I am looking forward to a great summer of reading together!"
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