Summer Reading Program Kicks Off at the Waukee Public Library

School's out in Waukee which means summer is (unofficially) here - time for the Waukee Public Library's Summer Reading Program.

Themed "Dream Big, Read!", the 's Summer Reading Program is an eight-week program targeting children, teens and adults that encourages reading for pleasure.

According to Erin McDonough, youth services coordinator at the Waukee Public Library, studies have shown that summer reading helps students, in particular, retain and improve the reading skills they already have.

"The Summer Reading Program is two parts - one part fun stuff to do at the library and one part incentive to read," she said. "There's a little something for everyone."

The program, which began May 29, includes incentives for those who take the time to read. Reading logs are available for all ages and, once completed, earn readers small, individual rewards. At the end of the program, July 31, all completed reading logs go into a grand prize drawing where participants could win prizes like an iPod Touch, Lego or Play-Doh set or even a Kindle Fire.

McDonough said last summer, more than 1,400 children and teens participated in the Summer Reading Program.

To participate, readers need only stop by the library to pick up their reading logs and a calendar of events. There is no cost to participate.

Support for Summer Reading

McDonough says while the program is free to participants, it wouldn't be possible without the support of local businesses and individuals who donate money and prizes for the program itself. 

"Everything we do is free to the public," she said. "We run almost everything off donations and the money the city provides in our budget. That's a lot of people encouraging others to read."

McDonough said , , , , Bernhardt & Smith, , , the Blank Park Zoo, Auntie Anne's Pretzels, the Iowa Cubs, Lincoln Savings Bank, , Brick Gentry P.C., Waukee Patch and Elite Eye Care are among the sponsors of this year's Summer Reading Program.

Additionally, the Waukee Public Library will host the Scholastic Book Fair through June 2 with all proceeds going toward the Library's Summer Reading programming.

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Waukee Public Library's Summer Reading Program "Dream Big, Read!"

Where: Waukee Public Library, 950 Warrior Lane

When: May 29 - July 31

Hours: Mon. - Thurs., 9:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.; Fri., 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; Sun., closed.

For more information: Visit the Waukee Public Library's website at www.waukee.lib.ia.us.