The Summer Reading program at Washington Library has come to a close. Each year the program continues to grow with 1,238 children and teens signed up this year.
Ages 4 through high school participated in reading more than 23,835 books this summer.
Thanks to all who took part. Thanks also to the following donors who helped to make it successful by providing prizes and other incentives:
Avanti’s, The Blend, Brunks Sports Center, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Corn Belters Baseball, Dairy Queen, Five Points, Firehouse Pizza, Friends of the Washington Library, Heart of Illinois Fair, Holland’s, Ice Cream Shack, Kay’s Hallmark, Knights of Columbus, Kroger, Lincoln Home in Springfield, McDonalds, Monical’s Pizza, Museum of Science and Industry, Peoria Rivermen, Plaza Lanes, River Plex, Ron’s Donuts & Bakery, Rotary Club of Washington, Russell’s Cycling & Fitness Center, 2nd Cinema Video, St. Louis Cardinals, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, South Side Trust & Savings, Splashdown Water Park, Taco Bell, Wal-Mart, Washington Community Bank, Washington Historical Society, Washington Park District, Washington State Bank, Wheels O’Time Museum and Wildlife Prairie State Park.
Thanks also to area schools that cooperated and supported the librarian’s visits to the schools and the monster story contest. This year’s theme, “Scare up a Good Book” provided many opportunities for kids to enjoy great programs at the library while reading some fantastic books that also help them keep up their reading skills.
As the school year begins, look for more exciting and educational activities at the library such as pre-school story time, tutoring and teen book groups. Watch the website, www.washington.lib.il.us, for more information.
Pam Tomka is the director of the Washington District Library. The library contributes a monthly column to the Washington Times-Reporter to keep readers abreast of library happenings.
