July 31st marked the conclusion of the annual Summer Reading Program at the Tyrrell County Public Library with an ice cream party. All the participants were encouraged to create their own unique ice cream sundae with a variety of toppings. After their refreshing treat, awards were presented to all the top readers for their hard work during this summer’s “Dig Into Reading!” program.

Every week there was a Wednesday afternoon program that all children were invited to attend. The kickoff program this year was presented by Gary Shelton of the Shelton Show. Other programming included: “Fossils Rock!” presented by Rebecca Harrell; “Puppetry by Katie & Company”, presented by Katie Woolard, Ellie Woolard and Megan Phillips; “Book Time” presented by Ronald McDonald; “Dirty Veggies – They’re Grounded!” presented by Frank Winslow of the NC Cooperative Extension Agency; and “Hanging Around Underground!” presented by the North Carolina Aquarium out of Manteo.

This year, 29 active participants read and reported on 1,470 books during the 6 week program. During the course of the program, the children earned “library bucks” to “spend” for prizes in the library display case. Some of these prizes included DVD’s; an mp4 player; swimming pool; remote control helicopters; footballs; Legos; and other various items. At the conclusion of the ice cream party, there was intense activity as the children spent the library bucks that had been earned during the summer program.

Other incentives were presented as each child reached certain goals. These extra incentives included an ice cream treat after reading 25 books; a child’s meal from either Columbia Crossing or Mike’s Kitchen after reading 50 books; and for the children that read 75 books a hotdog and drink certificate from Flemz.

Dedication is the word that best describes this year’s top readers. The young participants that took first place were Jeff Davenport, Madi Davenport, Annabelle Grayson and Mary Scott Jackson. These patrons read a total of 80 books each. Jacob Fauth took the second place honors by reading 77 books during the course of the program.  The third place readers include Layla Beals, Ruth Fauth and Isabelle Grayson with each one reading 75 books.

Linda Markham commented on the overall program.

“The Tyrrell County Public Library would like to say thank you to each of the businesses and individuals that made contributions for the summer reading program this year. Without outside assistance, the quality of this summer program would not be possible. This assistance made it possible for the library to purchase quality items for the children to work towards during the course of summer reading. A big thank you also goes out to all the volunteers that came out and helped library staff listen to book reports during high-demand times. This assistance was greatly appreciated by the staff members of the library,” she said.

Summer reading is offered to the local children in an effort to prevent summer set-back. It is vitally important to keep the children reading all summer long so that they do not lose these important skills.

“If your child did not participate this summer, please remember that next summer all children will be invited to join in on all the fun and activities that the Tyrrell County Public Library offers,” said Markham