Summer reading programs draw record numbers to library
Live animals, science, a magic show, scavenger hunts, and more drew thousands to the Lee-Itawamba Library System this summer, taking part in the system’s annual summer reading program.
A wide range of activities lived up to this year’s theme — “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” — inspiring local families to turn out in record numbers. More than seven hundred children signed up to compete for prizes in weekly reading challenges, and almost three thousand people attended thirty-eight different library programs presented at the Lee County Library throughout June and July. The Itawamba County-Pratt Memorial Library in Fulton also welcomed record numbers, with almost one thousand program attendees and more than two hundred and fifty registered participants.
“We always have a fantastic time during the Summer Reading Program and this year was no exception,” said Grace Guntharp, youth services manager at the Lee County Library. “We love investing in the community with this program by becoming part of families’ weekly summertime routine.”
Jeffrey Martin, library manager at the Itawamba County-Pratt Memorial Library, agreed. “I love summers. It is a chance for us to really show the community what the library can offer!” Most importantly, program participants had a great time. As Andrea Surrette, library assistant at the Pratt library pointed out, “the kids seemed to enjoy every single program.”
Each program and activity helped to fulfill the system’s mission of empowering the community and supporting community growth, aided by important partnerships that have supported summer reading activities for a number of years. The Rotary Club of Tupelo and Friends of the Lee County Library both donated funds to offset program expenses in Lee County, demonstrating not only the power of collaboration but also the value that the library brings to families in northeast Mississippi. “We are honored by the partnerships that help support our goals each year,” said Philip Shackelford, the system’s executive director. “Reaching local families through summer reading is among the most important work that we do.”
A number of local businesses also donated items to be used as prizes throughout the summer. “We love seeing the kids get excited about reading and coming in each week to get their weekly prize and an entry slip to win a grand prize,” said Guntharp, adding that “over fourteen hundred people have watched the livestream drawing for the grand prizes to see who won! Thanks again to all the donors and local organizations who make the Summer Reading Program possible each year!”
With this summer’s adventure behind them, the library’s team is already beginning to look ahead to next year, giving particular attention to the space needed to host such heavily attended programs. “I would like to thank everyone for their patience with us this year,” Shackelford said. “We know that finding space to park can often be a challenge,” he continued, and that “program space inside the building fills up quickly. We are exploring ways to address those issues next summer so that we can continue to bring you wonderful, fun-filled activities!”
Library programs will pause for the month of August, with the back-to-school rush in full swing, but will return in September. “We will resume our regular weekly and monthly programming after Labor Day,” Guntharp pointed out, “so keep an eye on our website and social media pages for future programs and announcements!”
The Lee-Itawamba Library System is a two-county public library system serving a combined population of 106,721 residents. In addition, the system offers library cards to individuals currently residing within the State of Mississippi. The Lee-Itawamba Library System is a member of the Mississippi Library Partnership, administered by Mississippi State University, which connects local patrons to over 3 million items and 68 other libraries across the state. The Lee County Library celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2016.
For more information, contact library staff at (662) 841-9027 or by email at [email protected]. Additional information can be found on the library’s website at www.leeitawambalibrary.org.