The 2018 children’s summer reading program saw overwhelming numbers this year, with 1,020 readers clocking 16,804 hours of reading time, surpassing the Children Department’s goal of 12,000 hours. The program usually sees a high of 700 youth up to age 17.
Over 100 prizes donated from area businesses included kid favorites like bowling and roller skating, ice cream, pizza, a mini bike, and a Kindle Fire. Every participant who reached at least 10 hours received a free pass to the Central Wisconsin State Fair. Those who clocked in more hours earned additional tickets to increase the reader’s chance of getting the prize they wanted.
The program underwent quite a few changes this year, said Library Director Lori Belongia, between adding fun kids activities throughout the week and extending the program an extra two weeks. “I would say we really hammered down on this one, and worked really hard,” she said. “I want to thank the staff for their creativity and endurance.”
The theme of the reading program was “Libraries Rock.” Kids could earn additional tickets by participating in the theme, whether by dressing up as a rock star and singing a rock song, or showing a picture of themselves by a rock formation, which Belongia said got the kids extra excited.
A notable change this year was the absence of the traditional Noah’s Ark trip for the program’s top readers, which wasn’t possible this year due to ownership changes at the waterpark. “That motivated us to make quite a few changes and really push hard to do other kinds of prizes,” she said.
Children’s Department staff assembled the winners, who were contacted this week.
