Rowan Public Library would like to thank every child, teen and adult who adventured to the library this summer. Now that the festivities have officially closed, prize winners can be announced, and arrangements can be made for prize pick up. Each year, chances to win a variety of big prizes are available to readers who join in on the Summer Reading fun. Winners for summer reading prizes were announced on the Summer Reading Finale prerecorded video that has been posted to the library’s YouTube channel (Rowan Public Library). Weekly programs and special events are on hiatus until September.

Children’s Summer Reading

This year’s summer reading program was popular with children, families and local camp groups. New performers were added, and many children logged reading hours to earn prizes. For every 20 hours of reading, each child received an entry into the Super Reader Raffle drawing. This year’s Super Reader prizes included a child-sized tent, books to read and games to play. The library extends congratulations to this year’s winners. Winners in the preschool category were Laurel T., Caleb D., Emma P. and Harlee B. and in the school-aged category were Lincoln W., Aiden D., Ellen B., and Sadie N.

Camp groups also read weekly at their centers and often read at the library as part of their visits. Wendy Campbell, youth services supervisor, reported that one of the most rewarding takeaways this summer was helping determined campers find new books in the children’s room each week. The children were pleased and very surprised to learn that the library had books about their favorite characters.

Popular summer programs included weekly storytimes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers with their caregivers. The traditional Big Show performances added a variety of educational entertainment. The most popular performers based on attendance were Gravity Check juggling duo, Kyle Brown and Ken Julian, and Science Heroes: Adventure of the Lost Treasure with Sarah Kepins. Another notable performance was the Shepherd Shakespeare original drama, Hamlet and the Pirates. With enthusiastic feedback from the public and community partners, the library has scheduled the Shepherd Shakespeare performance team to return later this year.

Teen Summer Reading

Teen Summer Reading has drawn to a close. Thank you to all 149 teen readers who participated and contributed to almost 4,000 reading hours this year. Also, thank you to the Friends of the Rowan Public Library for sponsoring all teen programs and prizes, as well as all library staff for promoting and encouraging teen readers to log their hours and attend programs.

Adventure Begins at Your Library was the theme and the Teen Programs stepped up to the challenge. With programs like Paracord Bracelets, Treasure Maps and Painting with Nature, Teens had a chance to learn a new skill and be encouraged to explore the great outdoors. The most popular program was, of course, Human Battleship, where teens lobbed beanbags over a divider to “sink” the other teams “battleships.”

Prize for Teen Summer Reading includes gift cards to South Main Book Company, an Ozark Trail 3-person tent, a Kindle tablet with accessories, a gift card to the Cinemark Tinseltown movie theater, a Grand Canyon Diamond Painting, a 1,000 piece bookshelf puzzle, and a 3-in-1 LEGO Peacock set. Winners for Teen Summer Reading include Henry N., Myles C., Molly H., Clara B., Ezekiel P., Carolyn J., Ava W., Toby J., Zechariah O. Winners will be contacted to coordinate prize pick up.

Adult Summer Reading

The 2024 Adult Summer Reading program was a success at Rowan Public Library this year. Of the 168 active adult participants, 14,206 total reading hours were logged. The top reader Wyndam W. read 766 hours. Every participant who read over 20 hours was added to a drawing for a gift basket and the winner was Jodi M.

Adults were also able to participate in many adventure-themed programs during the summer. From finding Bigfoot at the library to getting creative juices flowing by painting rocks, creating watercolor mosaics and decorating adventure fund jars and journals to finding your next adventure in food, camping or pet ownership, we hope that the library inspired your adventurous spirit this summer.

All Summer Reading 2024 prizes must be picked up by Friday, Aug. 30. Prize winners can call 980-432-8670 to arrange prize pick up. Rowan Public Library’s Summer Reading programs and events are sponsored by the Friends of Rowan Public Library. For information about the Friends of RPL, go to www.friendsofrpl.org. For more information about future programs and events, go to www.rowanpubliclibrary.org or call 980-432-8670.