By Kay Bork, Reference Assistant
Sedona AZ (August 11, 2017) – What better way to spend your hot summer days than finding a cool place to read a great book, or two, or three! That’s exactly what 103 patrons did when they participated in Build a Better World, Sedona Public Library’s adult summer reading program.
In just two months, participants read more than 140,000 pages from a wide variety of genres. They reported that they read books outside their typical choices, and that they read with the same excitement as they did when children. Participants were even invited to channel their inner child as they colored the theme-based coloring page at the reference desk!
The theme this year, Build a Better World, encouraged the notion that reading and community participation can certainly improve the world. Donating food to the Sedona Food Bank’s “Weekend Emergency Packs for Hungry Kids” was one small way we could use this program to build a better world. This initiative provides supplemental food for 115 children who, during the school year, receive nutritional support at school.
As part of the program, the library held weekly drawings, and readers won an array of fabulous prizes from local merchants including Builders FirstSource; Hummingbird House; Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen; 89Agave; Ramsey’s Rocks and Minerals; and many more. The more you read, the better your chances at winning fabulous prizes.
The grand finale of this year’s program was a lively ice cream social where Victoria Norton won the grand prize of lunch for two donated by L’Auberge’s Etch Kitchen and Bar. Victoria was one of 14 “super-readers” who completed various library-related activities which included reading from our Arizona Collection to donating food to the emergency pack program. Jenny, another super-reader, said, “Completing the game card led me to explore areas of the library about which I was unaware.”
The goals of summer reading programs across the nation are to encourage literacy, introduce (or re-introduce) adults to their community library, and to have fun! Our participants definitely agreed. Last year was the first adult program that the library offered, and this year the participation almost doubled in number.
Ashely Bowen, of Bookriot.com, who is an outspoken fan of summer reading programs expressed her enthusiasm, “Now in my 30s, I just assumed that signing up for a summer reading program was one of those joys of childhood I’d never recapture. I’m still motivated by stickers, free fast food, and tote bags, but didn’t think anybody would give those to me for reading all summer. Plus, they are just a lot of fun for everyone involved.”
Thanks to everyone for supporting and participating in this year’s Summer Reading Program. Other generous sponsors to this year’s program include Arizona State Parks, Baskin-Robbins, Cleaner Quicker Car Wash, ColdStone Creamery, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Sedona International Film Festival, Safeway, and Starbucks.
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, 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.