228,051 minutes (that’s almost 5 months of non-stop reading) read by 322 registered kids ages 0-17! These are the numbers behind what is sure to be an unforgettable summer for kids, families, and library staff alike. A giant thank you to all the families that participated in the 2024 Adventure Begins at Your Library Summer Reading Program and made this the most participated in summer reading program to date. Kids and families kept busy (and cool!) with over 100 participatory events in June and July, including yoga classes, an art contest, American Sign Language classes, weaving lessons, ukulele classes, and a visit from a raven. Kids enjoyed crafting with puffy paint, making robots, performing in the musical Treasure Island, viewing the model trains, reading to dogs, drumming, story times, chess club, a final summer reading celebration blowout and more. Phew!
The fun began with registration at the Sedona Community Opening Day Pool Party, where kids picked up their sticker charts and a bingo board of adventures in the Verde Valley – an interactive game that encouraged local discovery and adventures.
So, you ask, how do all those minutes get tallied? Kids logged reading minutes by putting stickers on charts and teens logged their minutes with a new digital reading log called Beanstack. This year, teens even reviewed books! Ava F. who recommends Predator vs. Pray by Lisa McMann said, “Great book series with excitement around every corner! Would recommend to anyone looking for a good adventure book.” Thanks, Ava, we added it to our reading list!
When it comes to who had more fun this summer, it’s a close call between the kids and the librarians! Teen Librarian Jordan Prouty, said, “I really enjoyed getting to know kids interests and watching their proud faces as they handed in their reading logs.”
Childrens Librarian Cindy Mahon always enjoys seeing all the creative art show entries based on the yearly summer reading theme, and she loves seeing the families all coming into the library together. The public so enjoyed seeing the artistic talents of all who participated and voting for their favorites.
Miss Marcia, story teller extraordinaire, commented, “I always have a blast at Story Time in the Park, the kids love the story hour, and running around at the splash pad with their friends when the Story Time is over. My favorite thing is seeing how many minutes all the kids are reading.”
As if the rewards of reading great books and enjoying so many programs aren’t enough, kids won prizes for registering, making it halfway through their reading logs, and completing the minute tracking. Twenty-nine generous local donors and sponsors provided funding and prizes to make this this the most successful and exciting summer reading program yet. Our lead donor was our very own Friends of the Sedona Library. Without them, this program would not have been possible. Consider stopping by the bookstore to say thanks—they love seeing your happy faces, and you’ll leave with lots to read!
Parents completed a summer reading survey, too. When asked “What did your child like most about the program/service?” One answered, “My child loves putting the stickers on the sticker chart so he can see how much he read.” Another said, “My child loves lots of book options and the opportunity to win prizes.”
If you’re a parent or guardian, it is not too late to fill out the survey. Just go to the bottom of our website homepage and let us know how we can improve or leave us nice messages like this one: “The program and the library is more amazing than ever.” And another patron made us smile with, “We pretty much live at the library. Lol!”
Sumer reading parent Lindsay Hammersmith shared that she loved the Missoula Children’s Theater (MCT) production. Two of her children took part and she appreciated that there was no experience necessary so that all the kids could participate in the multi-age camp. She said it built “stage presence, confidence, and community. MCT was wonderful introduction to theater that allowed parents to be very hands off. They provided all the costumes and workshops….” Lindsay is still amazed that the kids learned choreography, songs, and memorized all their lines in just 5 days! And so are we. The entire cast and crew did an amazing job!
Alas, all summer reading programs must come to an end. But that’s the perfect reason for a party—to recognize ALL of our summer readers! Everyone had a blast celebrating with small prizes for all, music, bubbles, hula hoops, chalk art, face painting, balloon animals, and a dance party! Emerson H. gave the library the highest compliment—he was more excited about the Summer Reading Program Party than his first day of school, And Seb and James said, “You made our summer! Thank you!!!”
The feeling is completely mutual. Cheers to all 2024’s summer readers, sponsors, donors, and everyone who made it possible. Thank you!!
Caption for photo:
Aiko, Vesper and Farah celebrating all the fun at the end of Summer Reading Program community party.
As published by Red Rock News
Library News Column for August 16, 2024
Written by Viviane Kraus, Youth Services Manager
