The Jefferson Public Library recently wrapped up two Summer Reading programs.

Children’s Librarian Terry Clark says 80 infants-three year olds and their parents or guardians read about 800 books. There were 125 4 year olds through 5th graders that read a total of 27,330 minutes. Youth Services Librarian Stephanie Hall describes some of the activities the kids enjoyed this summer.

“We did fun photography tricks and illusions, rainbow scavenger hunts, book spine poems, crayon blow drying art, crayon sculptures, pom-pom split painting, and musical canvas painting. There was torn paper collages and pool noodle monsters, and reader’s theaters rounded off all of our activities.” 

The grand prize winner of a new bicycle went to Clarissa Richards and Chloe Powers read the most minutes with 2,520. Clark will be retiring at the end of August and she shares her thoughts about leading her final Kids Summer Reading Program with a record number of participants.

“It’s very exciting. I think it’s not only exciting for me and the library staff that we have here, but it’s also exciting to think about what the future holds. Because there will be a lot of boys and girls down the road that will be able to participate in this program. And with all of the community support that we have, which they have supported me throughout my career which is wonderful, I just think the kids just have an amazing future ahead of them.”     

Clark adds the Teen Summer Reading Program involved several indoor and outdoor group activities, along with crafts and colorful food items were provided by the Friends of the Jefferson Library. Clark appreciates the sponsors for this year’s Summer Reading programs.