September 10, 2024 3:20 a.m.
The 12-week Summer Reading Program at Roseburg Public Library flew by with special book giveaways, arts and crafts, Harry Potter Day and special presenters.
A city release said this was the 6th year of the program which had a similar response from patrons, as compared to last year.
The library distributed 3,500 new, contemporary books throughout the summer during outreach events and at the library. That was 400 more giveaways than last year.
Those free books sparked youth participants to rack up 6,000 reading hours on three logs; each log represented seven hours of reading.
In addition, 188 children and teens logged 21 hours reading each and were eligible to win one of three $200 gift cards to TenDown Bowling.
The book review program remained popular with youth of all ages submitting 2,106 reviews for 34 different prizes.
The release said the program for adults also remained steady, with 61 readers logging 963 books. The adult book review program was expanded to adults, who submitted 636 reviews.
Patrons checked out 21,200 physical and 8,500 digital items during the Summer Reading Program -a 4 percent increase compared with last year.
Nearly 23,000 people visited the library between June and August – an 11 percent increase over 2023.
Staff at the Roseburg Boys and Girls Club of the Umpqua Valley and Sunshine Park Apartments hosted library staff throughout the summer. Staff were also able to distribute free books, craft kits, and reading program information at Kids Safety Day sponsored by CHI Mercy Health and Sherm’s Thunderbird Markets. Roseburg Parks and Recreation welcomed library staff at their “Movies in the Park” program and provided space for the StoryWalk.
Library Director Kris Wiley said, “Finally, thanks to all of you who logged your reading, wrote and drew book reviews, and attended programs. You are why we do this, and we’re already planning big things for 2025”.
For more information about the Roseburg Public Library, go to: https://www.cityofroseburg.org/departments/library