Summer reading programs popular in northern Cache Valley

The Smithfield Public Library welcomes readers of all ages to participate in their summer reading program.

Libraries in northern Cache Valley said they’re summer reading programs continue to grow. The <a href=”http://www.smithfieldcity.org/library.main.html” target=”_blank”>Smithfield</a>, <a href=”http://richmondlibrary.us/” target=”_blank”>Richmond</a>, <a href=”https://www.facebook.com/NewtonTownLibrary/” target=”_blank”>Newton</a> and <a href=”http://www.lewiston-ut.org/Library.html” target=”_blank”>Lewiston</a> Public Libraries each have something new and different but one thing they share is a consortium that makes checking out your books faster and easier.

Juliene Parrish is the library director in Richmond.

“They can come to any of the four libraries and they can check out our items under their account from their home-based library,” Parrish said. “And even if we all have the same book, if it’s out, they can go to another library and get another copy. It’s been very successful.”

Karen Bowling, children’s services librarian in Smithfield, said their new facility has enabled them to do things they couldn’t before.

“We’ve been in this new expanded building for about a year and a half now,” Bowling said. “So with that we’ve been able to sort of expand that program, the scope of our reading program. But we have programs for everybody – infants, toddlers, school-age, teens, adults, so we’ve got a lot going on.”

Libraries are fast becoming the hub for communities and with their summer reading programs expanding, some of them are having to make room for their members.

Melinda Hall is the library director in Lewiston and said even though kids love technology, they still love books. So much so the library is in the process of making them more comfortable.

“We just feel like we need more space for teens to come in and be able to sit and enjoy a book,” Hall said. “We’re hoping to make a more fun, bright place for them to come. We’re in the planning zone right now, but come this fall we’re hoping to see some more ideas and expansions.”

Each library has its own summer reading program but each one is using the national theme which is, “On your mark, get set, read!”

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