Summer reading program a success

Swanton Public Library's Catch the Reading Bug Summer Reading Program recorded a 28 percent increase in participation at programs this summer when compared to that of 2007. A total of 30 programs were offered at the library for babies through grade five.

These events were attended by 1143 children. This summer children recorded the number of minutes they read each day for a total of 1,017 hours of reading time. In addition, 35 teens reached a pre-set reading goal and were invited by the library to attend a final celebration party at House of Games in Swanton.

Expenses for this year's Summer Reading Program totaled $1186.99. Funding was provided by donations from Ohio Alpha Lambda, O.U.R.C.C.L., Swanton Friends of the Library, Dental Health Associates, The McQuades Co., LPA, First Federal Savings and Loan of Delta, Sampsel's Body Shop, Swanton Parents Club, Scottdel, Inc., Swanton Welding & Machining Co., Inc.. Thomas and Debra Zimmerman, Fessenden Hardware and Gary L. Smith, Attorney at Law.

Many adults also enjoyed summer reading fun at Swanton Library. Adults deposited entries in the "Elect to Read" ballot box for each book they read in June and July. The results tallied 79 adults with 465 entries.

Prizes were awarded to these nine winners in a random drawing from all the entries: Bea Altevogt, Kim Baker, Crystal Franks, Marilyn Gilroy, Bea Kovacs, Marla Kusz, Linda Robertson, Michelle Scanlon, and Carol Thieman. All prizes awarded were originally donations received by the library.

Gretchen Moffett's gift of a hand crocheted afghan and shawl was especially appreciated. The readers entering the most book titles were Leo Szabo with 28 titles, Sherry Hawkins with 21 entries, Nicole Tipton with 19, Alexandra Slawinski with 15, and Bea Altevogt and Michelle Scanlon with 14 titles each.