Beaverton Library Summer Reading Program Sees Increases In Sign-up And Finishers

Looking at the results of the Beaverton Library’s 2012 Summer Reading Program, it’s clear to see that Beaverton-area kids and teens have a love for books. From June 1 through July 23, nearly 5,000 children and more than 1,600 teens signed up.

The Summer Library Reading Program encouraged participants to read during the summer months while school was out. Sign-ups for children saw an increase of more than 400 participants and a five percent increase in finishers. The Murray Scholls Branch Library accounted for 23 percent of all children’s sign-ups.

“The library is excited to have had so many kids, tweens and teens reading and enjoying books this summer,” said Ed House, Library Director. “The Summer Reading Program encouraged kids to read all year long—not just during the school year—and helps build the foundation for successful, lifelong reading habits.”

The schools with the highest finishers were Sexton Mountain Elementary, Highland Park Middle School, International School of Beaverton and Aloha High School.

Participants received a pencil and a Timbers reserve game ticket for signing up. After reading 15 hours, participants had a chance to win Portland Trailblazer tickets, Valley Theatre tickets, paperback books, discounted Oaks Park passes, McDonald’s and Dairy Queen coupons, Washington County Fair tickets, or Oregon Gymnastics Academy coupons. Teens (grades 6-12) were also able to write book reviews to be included in weekly drawings.

In conjunction with the Summer Reading Program, the Beaverton City Library and Murray Scholls Branch held more than 200 events.

The Summer Reading Program was supported by 35 volunteers and four interns, and sponsored by the Beaverton City Library Foundation, Ready to Read Grant, Metro Parent, Comcast, KUIK 1360, The Oregonian and El Hispanic.

For more information about the library’s annual Summer Reading Program, please contact Victoria Campbell, Youth Services Manager, at 503-526-2599.

ABOUT THE BEAVERTON CITY LIBRARY
The Beaverton City Library, one of the busiest libraries in the state, serves a population of approximately 149,000 Beaverton and Washington County residents with an annual circulation exceeding 3.5 million items. The library has two facilities, both open seven days a week, containing a collection of more than 350,000 items. The library’s mission is to provide information, library materials and library services to meet the needs of the community. The Beaverton City Library is one of 15 libraries in the Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) network. Libraries in WCCLS work together to share resources and information in an effort to provide excellent countywide library service. For more information on available services, call 503-644-2197 or visit BeavertonLibrary.org.