The Summer Reading Program recently wrapped up in the Youth Services Department with the Jefferson Public Library.

Youth Services Librarian Bailey Mount says there were three age groups that had separate programs this year, but altogether kindergarten through 12th grade read a total of 76,095 minutes, which equates to 52.8 days worth of reading. She is happy with the 30 participants that were part of the newborn to four-year-old program, including two off site activities with a storytime and yoga at the Greene County Community Center and the final party at the Jefferson Municipal Pool. 

As for the kindergarten through fourth graders, Mount points out that 72 kids took part in the Summer Reading Program, including the two daycare facilities: The Children’s Center and Natural Wonders.

“Because a lot of those numbers and a lot of that participation was coming from their kiddos. We have Wednesday morning outreaches, they visit me on Mondays and Tuesdays, and we read there, we have social time, (and) they take books home with them.”  

Mount points out that this year, the middle and high schoolers were combined to make up 11 participants, with close to half being represented by the high school teens. While the total number of teens were down compared to last year, Mount believes that this group appreciated the program more and she and her staff learned how to make better connections with that age group.

“They want the attention just as much (as the younger kids), but you have to shift your mindset and how you’re providing that attention and in what way. This is an age where they’re so vulnerable that it’s not like a classroom full of kindergarteners where they’re all just excited to be there with you and that’s their baseline. All of these kids react to how you speak to them differently. So you really have to be able to change the way you’re speaking, what you’re talking about, things like that.” 

Additionally, Mount says Rya Riphagen read the most minutes for the kindergarten through 4th grade Summer Reading Program with 4,835 minutes and Mason Lehman was the winner for the teens with 2,480 minutes. Mount thanks everyone who participated and all sponsors that helped make this year’s Summer Reading Program a success.