Library summer reading program sees record participation post COVID

During a recent government meeting, Sarah Box, branch manager of the Klute Public Library, provided an enthusiastic update on the library's summer reading program and community events. This year, the program saw a significant increase in participation, with 130 kids and teens registered—triple the numbers from previous years, reflecting a positive trend in post-COVID engagement.

Box reported that the library hosted 34 events catering to various age groups, with a notable turnout for the end-of-summer party, which attracted around 100 attendees. Despite a slow start due to inclement weather at the opening event, the library successfully collaborated with local partners to host engaging activities, including a medieval-themed event featuring a catapult contest.

The impact of Hurricane Beryl was also discussed, with the library serving as a cooling station for the community during the storm's aftermath. Box noted that the library sustained minimal damage, with no loss to its collection, unlike other libraries in the region that faced significant losses.

In addition to summer activities, Box highlighted the ongoing \"You Saved\" campaign, which tracks the financial savings of library patrons. In August alone, Klute library users saved approximately $34,570 by utilizing library resources instead of purchasing items.

Looking ahead, the library has planned several events for October, including a Halloween bash scheduled for October 29. The meeting concluded with a discussion on the approval of the city's operating budget for the fiscal year 2023-2024, indicating ongoing efforts to support community initiatives and services.