TD Summer Reading Club a huge success at Bruce County libraries

The final numbers from Bruce County Public Library’s TD Summer Reading Club are in, and it is officially the most successful summer ever!

Summer of 2022 not only saw a significant increase in registrations, at 459 participants, but hit a record high with a combined total of 217,570 minutes read. All 17 BCPL branches reported an increase in registration and reading hours logged, with Chesley leading the way with 34,545 minutes! BCPL attributes the increase in readers and minutes to staff enthusiasm and efforts to reach everyone in their communities.

“Our TD Summer Reading Club saw more children engage with reading throughout the summer than ever before. This success of our TD Summer Reading Club means that more children will return to school prepared for a great year having maintained or improved their reading skills,” says Library Director Brooke McLean.

BCPL’s Kathryn brought her medieval flare to the Kick-Off event in Sauble Beach, held on June 25

The Summer Reading Club started strong with a kick-off event held at their Sauble Beach Branch on June 25. Knights in the Classroom, NII, Birds of Prey Ontario, Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre, and 200 people came together to create a memorable event.

 

All summer long, Branches hosted weekly Summer Reading Club meetings based on the weekly SRC theme. There was a total summer attendance of 1,047. Each meeting consisted of staff-created programs with literacy-focused activities, games, and Story Times that coincided with the week’s theme.

This year, Bruce County Public Library introduced new window clings awarded to 235 children that met the goal of logging two hours of reading. They then hosted monthly prize draws for the patrons who logged reading hours. A ribbon-based reward system was in place for readers who reached specific milestones through reading and completing tasks earning different tiers. Draw prizes consisted of Crayola Pour ‘n Paint Kits, mini-dragon wristlets, and colourful kites, rewarding several super readers across Bruce County for a summer well done. BCPL saw several children collect every ribbon on their SRC pin by the end of August.

      David and Abigail received their gold ribbons at the Wiarton Branch

Program Coordinator Nancy Kuhl expressed her gratitude for this year’s success. “Thank you to everyone who registered and logged hours, to the Bruce County Public Library staff who ran engaging, fun, weekly programs that kept bringing kids back every week, and to all the groups and performers who participated in our Kick-Off Event. I hope everyone enjoyed this year’s Summer Reading Club as much as we did.”

You can participate in reading challenges all year long online through Beanstack. Beanstack is a free service provided by the Bruce County Public Library. It is a fun way to track your reading, complete challenges, and win prizes!

Explore the Bruce County Public Library online at www.library.brucecounty.on.ca