ENID, OK - The Enid Public Library is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of its Summer Reading event, a celebration of literacy and learning that took place this season. This year’s event saw enthusiastic participation from people of all ages, with engaging programs tailored for children, teens, and adults.
“Summer Reading programs build community and create excitement about reading, learning, and all the programs and services offered by libraries,” said Theri Ray, Director of the Enid Public Library. “It was wonderful this summer to see so many community members creating, learning, and growing at the Enid Public Library.”
Over 1,500 participants attended the more than 50 summer reading programs hosted by the library. The events featured special activities including author talks, interactive storytelling sessions, community book discussions, arts and crafts, and more - all designed to encourage patrons to read more and take part in what the library has to offer.
Among the participants, 264 took part in the summer reading challenges. Adults, teens, and children were all tasked with reading or attending the library’s events to win the top prizes. Congratulations to the winners who excelled in their reading endeavors this year.
The Enid Public Library is proud to recognize:
· Children’s Category: Mason and Vaughn
· Teens’ Category: Aubrie Pierce and Ava Conrady
· Adults Category: Brooke Anderson, Juliann Koehn, and Kari Bundy
The library’s youngest winner, Vaughn, excitedly shared that he “liked” and “read all the Summer Reading books” this year. He says he has no plans to stop reading any time soon.
Susan Shewey, the children’s program coordinator said she had one parent tell her Summer Reading “has been one for the books.” That patron, who wished to remain anonymous, said they were happy to see children at the events fill the room with noise, joy, talking, laughing, and imagination. “Beyond making memories and creating things, it was a time of learning, sharing, working together, and challenging themselves to do things they had never done before,” they said. “It was a summer of fun and learning, and we are so blessed to have amazing programs for our children here in Enid at the library!”
Pierce, one of the teen winners, said competing in the contest this year was no problem, “I read all the time no matter what, so why not try to win a prize for it?” Meanwhile, Conrady, who participated as a teen volunteer this year said, “[My] favorite part of summer reading was getting to volunteer and help with the kids’ crafts and activities through the summer.”
Teen Program Coordinator Megan Conrady said allowing teens to volunteer is her favorite part. “[They] were so great with the kids, and so helpful with our programs. It’s fun to see them not only develop their leadership skills but also make new friends with each other by the end of the summer.”
For some, coming to the library has been a tradition alongside their children. From the adult category, Koehn said she participated in this year’s event after her two children asked her to join them. “I have been coming to the Enid Public Library since I was a small child learning to read,” Koehn said. “[Summer Reading] is fun to do it as a family and help and encourage each other to meet our summer reading goals. I thank the library for the experiences we were able to participate in as well as the fun prizes along the way.” A sentiment echoed by Adult Program Coordinator Margo Holmes. “While summer reading challenges have traditionally been geared towards school-age children, we find that adults also enjoy a challenge,” Holmes said. “Signing up and participating in a reading challenge is a great way to model reading behavior to the children in your life.”
The Enid Public Library looks forward to next year’s Summer Reading events in order to continue to inspire and engage with the community. None of what the library does would be possible without the unwavering support of the community and organizations that help put on these events. Thank you again to everyone who participated, and congratulations to the winners for their outstanding accomplishments!
For more information about the library's upcoming events and programs, visit enid.okpls.org, call (580) 234-6313, or email at publiclibrary@enid.org.
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About the Enid Public Library:
The Enid Public Library is a vibrant community hub dedicated to providing free access to materials and services in a variety of formats while reflecting community standards to meet the informational and recreational needs of the community. The Library promotes freedom of thought, literacy, a love for reading, and lifelong learning.
For more information about this event and others, visit the library's website at enid.okpls.org. The Enid Public Library is located at 120 W Maine, Enid, OK 73701.
