READING PROGRAM HUGE SUCCESS!

Hundreds of five to ten year old children participated in Bud Werner Library’s reading program “Read 2 the Peak” this summer.  The Rotary Club of Steamboat Springs provided a grant used to fund the “celebration” for participants and their parents.

The 8-week program drew 265 youngsters in a reading incentive game, 419 who attended weekly activity programs and 913 who entered a trivia contest to win prizes from local sponsors.

The culmination of the program occurred on the library grounds when 125 children and parents gathered on August 5^th for a Rotary sponsored free dinner of hot dogs, chips, watermelon and lemonade.  The Yampa Valley Boys performed sing alongs and members of the Spellbinders storytelling group told spooky campfire stories.

After the party, 37 youngsters, dubbed “Uber Readers” who read 50 hours or more during the summer, joined 15 parent volunteers for a “sleep over” within the library.  They enjoyed games, crafts, a movie, reading and loads of popcorn.

“Rotary’s contribution made a significant impact on helping the Library’s Youth Services Department encourage, inspire and reward the many young readers of our valley,” Children’s Librarian Sarah Kostin said.  “The Summer Reading Program instills a joy of reading, a value of libraries and a strong sense of community within the minds and hearts of our children,” she said.