There’s a Whole Lot of Reading Going On at the Library

This year’s Summer Reading Program was a huge success thanks to numerous community partnerships, passionate donors, and kids who love to read! So much reading and active learning has happened at the Library over the last two months, we are brimming with pride in our community kids. Take a look at all the reading going on!
 
This year we had 247 children and teens sign up online for Sedona Public Library’s eight-week Summer Reading Program: Build a Better World.  As of last week, our readers recorded a whopping 128,854 minutes of reading, but that’s not all. Kids are writing, too, and they submitted nearly 500 book reviews and comments online. Many participants choose to use the good old-fashioned hard-copy reading logs with stickers to keep track of their reading minutes. During June alone, 815 youngsters and parents attended 43 library programs.  And July is turning out to be an equally full, and fun, month! The love of books and reading is hot this summer!
 
Sedona Public Library is grateful to so many members of our community who are instrumental in the success of Build a Better World and our other summer programs. We aim to keep kids cool and engaged in the warm summer months, and so many donors helped us do just that.  Individuals and organizations alike donated their time and expertise, as well as donating exciting prizes that have enticed reluctant readers into participating and logging their minutes. As you meet people, shop locally, help neighbors, and generally do your thing, please keep the following library supporters in mind, and if you see them, offer a thank you!
 
Red Rock State Park Ranger Susan Joyner and Don Jones, the local “grandson of a mountain man,” presented informative and interactive programs about animal habitats and beavers.
 
The Arizona Science Center and Flagstaff’s The Wonder Factory provided engaging science and engineering-based workshops where children could experiment with wind tunnels, electrolytes, and frozen baseballs.
 
Dr. Beyer ran our chess club and provided instruction and encouragement to many young chess enthusiasts every Thursday afternoon.  Chess Club will continue thanks to Dr. B.!
 
Paws to Read pet partners—Carole Binswanger with Luna, and Hal Stern with Sadie—regularly visited the Library on Mondays to the delight of young readers who love to read aloud to the dogs.  The dogs love it, too!
 
Edible reading incentives were offered by Chipotle Mexican Grill and Famous Pizza, and outdoor activity incentives were provided by the City of Sedona Parks and Recreation and Arizona State Park.
 
And, of course, the Friends of the Sedona Library contributed to Build a Better World and to other youth-related events this year.
 
Build a Better World for youth will officially end on Saturday, July 29, at 8 a.m., when we will draw the winners for our prizes, including a free day pass to the amazing wildlife park Bearizona for an entire carload of people; and great games and toys donated by Tlaquepaque Toy Town.
 
We will announce winners at Juggle and Jiggle, a family event, also on Saturday, July 29, at 1:30 p.m. in the Si Birch Community Room. Enjoy a variety show followed by a family dance party with healthy snacks from another local partner, Natural Grocers!
 
Thanks to this vibrant community for supporting Sedona Public Library and helping us make sure that kids love to read.
 
Sedona Public Library is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization. We are grateful for the support of the City of Sedona, Yavapai and Coconino Counties, businesses and foundations, and individuals like you. Your tax-deductible donation may be sent to: Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Road, Sedona, AZ 86336 or can be made online at www.sedonalibrary.org.

​Sedona Public Library
Column for July 28, 2017
Written by Karen Mack, Youth Services Librarian