Locals Have Big Appetite for Summer Reading Programs

Summertime is busy with all types of activities.

Parents are busy planning vacations, outings and barbecues.

But, one mainstay program is literally on thousands of local residents' "to-do" list this season: the library summer reading program.

The Crystal Lake Public Library's summer reading program officially begins Monday, June 11, although librarians have been pre-registering cardholders who just couldn't wait to get reading.

Cary Public Library, located at 1606 Three Oaks Rd.,  started its summer reading program on June 1. It runs through July 31, according to the library.

This year's theme, "Reading is So Delicious" suggests the programs will be as appetizing as in years past. After registering, summer readers go home armed with plenty of library books and a reading log to track what they've read.

Upon completing the various stages, participants of the Crystal Lake Library program get a chance to spin the library wheel for prizes. The program, which runs from June 11 to Aug. 4, culminates with grand-prize raffle drawings.

"Our reading program is huge," said Linda Price, public relations coordinator for the Crystal Lake Public Library, located at 126 Paddock St.

"We get a minimum of 4,500 people who sign up for it." 

Cary Library, which separates its programs by kids, teens and adults, is "cooking up a smorgasbord of treats for its readers," as well. 

Crystal Lake's summer readers include children and adults, Price said.

Price added that businesses throughout the community have been very generous this year by donating prizes to reward the readers.

More information about the summer reading programs is available on the Crystal Lake Public Library and Cary Public Library websites.