Courtesy of GCLD
It’s hard to believe summer is almost over, and with it, the library’s Summer Reading Program. Here at Grand County Library District, we are proud to report that we had our most successful program yet.
Overall participation increased by 3% with 842 children, teens and adults signing up to read throughout the summer, and more than 1,000 patrons participating in different universe-themed activities.
It was an eventful summer that included countless programs throughout Grand County. This year’s program theme was “A Universe of Stories,” and we were happy to help people explore beyond the library.
A few of the most popular programs were the astronomy night programs with more than 100 participants, a field trip to the Ammonite Site near Kremmling in conjunction with the BLM, and a partnership with 4-H where people had the chance to build their own rockets by using water and air. Nearly 200 people participated in that one.
New this year were rotating self-directed learning kits that traveled between each library branch. Kits included everything from Sphero Mini Robots to building lunar landers for marshmallow astronauts. Children and teens could work with the kits during their visits to the library.
Recognizing that everyone has different abilities, strengths, weaknesses, and our desire to support readers of all levels, we allowed teens to set their own goals for reading, while younger kids measured the time they interacted with literature. All in all, it was a successful summer where we were able to promote literacy, a love of reading, and access to information.
Special congratulations to our two teen winners and one adult winner who were entered into a drawing for prizes after completing the program: Ian Yeast of Granby Library, Kaylee Hoover of Juniper Library, and Joy McCoy of Fraser Valley Library. Ian was Granby’s very first summer reading participant, signing up on June 1. He’s been an eager and avid summer reader at the Granby Library for the past few years. Ian’s favorite thing about summer reading was that it motivated him to read when he wasn’t in school.
Kaylee was also excited to win. She is active in the community and has been part of the library’s after-school program for several years. This was the first year Joy participated in the Summer Reading Program, so she was also thrilled to win.
GCLD’s Summer Reading Program happens each year because of the generosity of the Friends of Grand County Library District. Friends raise funds to support the Library’s programming throughout the year, but especially during the Summer Reading Program. If you are interested in donating to Friends in order to support our community libraries, visit their website at http://www.FriendsOfGrandCountyLibrary.org.
In addition to the Friends, thank you to our other terrific Summer Reading Program sponsors.