Voting...Not Just for Adults!

October 09, 2012

The first time one enrolls to vote can be considered one of the rites of passage into the adult world. Voting can be a mystifying experience. One can feel very strongly about a candidate and find the other an absolute wash out, or...have no partiality to either candidate or the party they represent. What to do, what to do?

Children can participate in the voting process on their own level. They are presented with different fictitious characters to choose from. To participate in the process, they have to read some books (pre-selected) and then decide which character best represents their ideals. They can then cast their vote for President and Vice-President. There is even a spot for a write-in!

The program at your library is entitled Vote for Books! 2012. The program is a collaborative effort on the part of Kansas City area libraries: Johnson County Library, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City Kansas Public Library, Olathe Public Library, and MCPL.

Not to be outdone, even the wee ones have a program- the Missouri Building Block Picture Book Award. Ten titles are pre-selected by librarians from all over Missouri. To participate, children should be no older than kindergarten age. Together, you (parent/caregiver and child) must read at least 5 of the titles and then vote for your favorite book. All the books selected remain very popular for many, many years. The program has been in existence since 1996 and is an annual event. Voting began September 1st and runs through December 31st. Both programs may have a special display area in your local library branch.

Do not let the deadlines pass you by—get into your library, checkout your book/s, and VOTE!

Joyce D.
Boardwalk Branch