Nearly 2,000 kids from the Pierre – Fort Pierre area participated in this year’s Summer Reading Program at Rawlins Municipal Library. Collectively, they read more than 9,800 books.
“We had a phenomenal turnout for our summer reading program this year,” exclaimed Abby Edwardson, Rawlins Library Director. “It’s so encouraging to have youth who want to continue expanding their minds through the joy of reading.”
Edwardson credits this year’s success to a variety of factors.
“We partnered with the city’s Recreation Department to cross promote the program and registration alongside traditional summer rec programming. I think that really helped boost awareness.”
Edwardson says the library also had a talented team organizing and delivering this year’s summer reading program. Instead of running the program throughout the entire season, this year’s summer reading program was organized into age-specific week-long camps themed around journeys to foreign lands.
According to Edwardson the goal of the summer reading program is to keep minds engaged and youth busy throughout the summer.
“Research tells us that kids who read all summer long have an easier transition when they head back to the classroom in the fall. Plus, the program is fun and a terrific way to spend a few hours during summer break.”
The library’s fall programming includes Storytime in the Park at 10 a.m. Wednesdays in August and September. The location rotates through local parks; visit RawlinsLibrary.org for details.
On Sept. 21, Rawlins will host a Fall Festival. It includes games for kids, free popcorn, and a bake sale.
The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and is open to the public.