Summer reading program a great success

Winsted — The Beardsley and Memorial Library wrapped up its summer reading program at the end of August with record numbers for participation.

The program, like those at many libraries across the country, is designed to provide incentive for children to read over the summertime. Beardsley has three levels for participation: Children 0-6 count the number of books read to them, children 7-12 count the number of pages read, and teens count the number of chapters read.

This year the library had 275 children and youth participant, and they read 1,361 books, 63,665 pages, and 618 chapters collectively. Participants come by the library to claim prizes at five different intervals during the summer. At each prize level, they also get to choose a book to add to their own personal library.

Reading is logged in and tracked via an interface on the library’s website using a webbased software provided to all libraries in CT through funding from the Connecticut State Library.

Beyond reading, the summer program is also all about learning and engaging children and youth in enrichment activities during their out of school time. The theme for this summer was “Build A Better World”. The library hosted children’s programs all about building a better world through volunteering. Children were treated to “Touch A Truck” programs with the Winsted Ambulance Association and also the Winchester Fire Department. Teens participated in several STEM activities, including building “bristle bots” and engineering and constructing model castles using a variety of materials. The Beardsley and Memorial Library serves the Towns of Barkhamsted, Colebrook, and Winchester. For more information about the summer reading program or other literacy programs at the library, contact Library Services Director, Karin Taylor at 860-379-6043.

Serving the Towns of Barkhamsted, Colebrook, and Winchester, the library is located at 40 Munro Place in Winsted.