50 children participate in local library summer reading program
Participants in one of the Ozark County Volunteer Library’s summer program for kids – the Magic of Steven Classic – watch attentively trying to see just how the magician did his tricks.
Eli Woodby found a quiet corner to check out a book during the library’s summer program for kids. More than 50 children participated in the various events.
Fifty area children participated as registered readers and / or regularly attended weekly story hours and events during the Ozark County Volunteer Library’s summer reading program. During the six-week program, those who tracked their reading time logged more than 460 hours of reading and read more than 370 books, said summer program organizer Aletta Moore.
The program wrapped up last week with a July 29 story reading by Maureen Capetty, followed by a celebration in which all the children who reached their reading goal received certificates and prizes and were entered into drawings for five grand prizes.
The weekly story hours, held each Monday, included read-aloud books, crafts and entertainment, including a Zumba exercise class, a children’s book author reading her book, a magician and live music.
Moore said many community residents contributed to the program’s success. Story readers and entertainers who volunteered their time and talent included Laura Bach, Carol Cooper, Steven Classic, Luther Hampton, Ed DeLeon, Betsie Ritchie, Suzanne Meeks, Belen Bermudez and Maureen Capetty. The program was also supported by KingCo Printing, Town & Country Supermarket, Stockmens Bank, the First Baptist Church, House of Angels, the Ozark County Times, John Harlin, Joyce Barnes and Jerri Sue Crawford. Moore also expressed thanks, on behalf of the library, to the parents, friends and caregivers who brought the children to each week’s story hour.
“Congratulations to all the eager young readers who participated in the program,” Moore said, adding, “the library is looking forward to another successful program next summer.”