Library reports lower summer reading numbers

By Phil Cobb | September 3, 2015 |

Vanessa Myers

The Maryville Public Library recently wrapped up its annual 10-week Summer Reading Program, during which 350 children from Maryville and surrounding communities signed up to record the number of hours spent reading during the traditional warm-weather vacation season.

Library Director Stephanie Patterson said prizes sponsored by Maryville Pride Lions Club helped generate 9,500 book checkouts in just two and a half months.

Patterson said the number of program participants was down from last year’s record high of about 450 youngsters. She said one reason may have been a lack of awareness, since much of library’s advertising budget was spent on an unsuccessful effort to convince rural voters to approve a countywide library tax.

Patterson also said an improving economy may have led more families to leave home this summer on vacation.

Despite the lower numbers, Patterson said the program still recorded one of its higher participation rates in recent years, adding that her base goal for the summer reading campaign is to involve at least 300 children, or about double the number regularly participating when she was named director seven years ago.

Special recognition went to readers Vanessa Myers, Hadley Cline, Andrea Riley, Nathalie Lager, Andy Lager, Gabe Lager, Josie King, Keagan Wilmes, and Strawberry Biggerstaff for completing the Librarian’s Challenge in the independent readers category for children age 7-12.

The challenge required summer readers to log at least 24 cumulative hours over the summer and to complete a series of tasks, such as writing a letter to either American civil rights activist Ruby Bridges or Nobel Peace Prize recipient Malala Yousafzai after reading their biographies.

Youngsters taking part in the challenge also were required to compose a book review about their favorite summer read and to complete an at-home “crime-solving” challenge or attend at least one special library event.

Medals were awarded to Vanessa Myers, Hadley Cline, and Andrea Riley for top honors in the written book review contest.

In the pre-readers category for children up to age 6, Allison Riley, Hudsen Cline, Elley Cline, Vincent White, Nora Boyt, Tobin Boyt, Zane Bilke, and Luke Bilke were recognized for completing a second challenge that required reading with a parent for at least 15 cumulative hours and completing several library-hosted activities.