A big "THANK YOU" for a successful Summer Reading Program

Big Dreams and Even Bigger Reads at the Library

"Sad to say, summer vacation is all but a distant memory now that schools are back in session. However some area students returned to the classroom armed with bigger dreams – and better prepared for the new year – thanks in part to their participation in a summer reading program at the Calcasieu Parish Public Library.

Following a successful kick-off event at the Harbor’s Edge Pavilion in Prien Lake Park in early June, approximately 2,000 children, 200 teens and 175 adults answered the library’s call to “Dream Big: Read” by completing the annual summer, teen or adult reading program at one of the 13 branches throughout the parish.

The Summer Reading Program, which is open to pre-K through 5th graders, requires children to read at least ten books – or have at least 10 books read to them – to earn their certificate of completion and a Library Champion yard sign.

The Teen Reading Program, which is open to students in 6th through 12th grade, and the Adult Reading Program, which is open to any reader 18 years of age or older, requires the completion of a minimum of five books. Each reader receives a Reading Log or tracks their completions online through mid-July.

For many summer readers, the pièce de résistance of the program is the assortment of book marks, pencils and sponsors’ coupons for free food or entertainment they receive as they progress through the program.

Sponsors of the 2012 Summer Reading Program contributed more than $100,000 in goods and services, and included:

Skate City & Jump City of Lake Charles
Wheelers Family Fun Entertainment
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Putt Putt Lake Charles
Club Tabby
Chick-fil-A Lake Charles
Cracker Barrel
McDonalds of Southwest Louisiana
Wendy’s
Izzo's Illegal Burrito
Friends of the Calcasieu Parish Public Library
United Artist Lake Charles Stadium 10
Smoothie King
Buffalo Wild Wings
Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
Dairy Barn
L'auberge Casino Resort
Burger King
Cotten's Western Wear Boot & Shoe Repair
Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana
Louisiana Division of the Arts

Reading wasn’t the only thing going on at the library, either. Throughout June and July, approximately 20,000 people attended one or more of the library’s 600 lively and educational events that ranged from rollicking goodtime concerts to world famous page-turning adventures."

To find out more about programs coming to a branch near you this fall, visit the Calendar of Events.