Support Fundraising Efforts During the North Logan Library's Summer Reading Program

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

EMILY BUCKLEY editor in chief

Every summer libraries across Cache Valley go above and beyond to help kids stay engulfed in learning during their time off from school. Summer reading programs exist at most local libraries and include much more than reading trackers and challenges. Most include STEM activies, events for teens, craft and art events, performances, and more.

This year, North Logan City Library’s summer reading program is combining their mission to keep kids’ minds active with efforts to raise funds for a large library expansion project, library remodel, and new community center. The library expansion will focus on a new children’s area adjacent to the existing library space, and a new, larger city office will free up space in the library currently being used as North Logan’s City Council chambers and an allpurpose city meeting room.

“We are so excited to announce the building of our new civic center and the remodeling of the current library!” James Britsch, North Logan City library director, said. “This new civic center will allow us to host even bigger events for the whole valley to enjoy. We need your help raising funds. Our goal is to raise $80,000.”

A great way to make a difference and support this great community-benefiting cause is to participate in the North Logan Library’s fundraising events this summer.

“Your donations [at these events] will be matched by the Dell Loy Hansen Family Foundation, so you are helping the library twice!” James said.

This year’s North Logan Library’s summer reading theme is “Oceans of Possibilities.” Throughout the summer, teens and children will earn rewards to keep them motivated and excited to read.

Public Services Librarian Heidi Taylor said that local businesses have been incredibly supportive, and have donated hundreds of prizes and coupons for the library's summer reading programs.

“Summer reading programs are one of my favorite times of year,” Heidi said. “It is such a huge undertaking. We start planning in January.”

Heidi said that research conducted by the School Library Journal has found that reading over the summer provides many benefits, including improved reading skills, increased desire to read, improved self-esteem, neutralized summer learning loss, improved comprehension, and improved memory.

“I have seen this come true in my own family with my son,” Heidi said. “When he was in third grade he really struggled to read and didn’t have the desire to read. We first had to find something he wanted to learn about. I discovered he loved to read graphic novels and non-fiction. From there we signed him up for the summer reading program. Once he went back to school, his scores doubled. The teacher said that reading over the summer contributed to his improvement. If you need help finding the right book for your child, please let us know and we will be happy to help!”

Sign-ups for the North Logan Library summer reading program, which is open to all community members, not just those who reside in North Logan, begin on May 23.

The Summer Fundraising Party and Summer Reading Kick-Off Party will be on June 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the North Logan Library. The event will include bounce houses, summer reading information, outdoor lawn games, Star Wars characters, a local balloon artist, goodie bags for the first 1,000 youth ages 1-17, raffle items from local businesses, and activity booths run by Stokes Nature Center, CAPSA, the Family Place, and Little Lambs. Donations of $1 per person or $10 for a family of five or more are recommended, but not required.

The North Logan Library will host additional events all summer, including book sales, story times, craft days, adult book clubs, and live performances. Visit northloganlibrary.org/events for a full list of events and details.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS AT THE NORTH LOGAN LIBRARY: • Summer Fundraising Party and Summer

Reading Program Kickoff: June 10, at 6:308:30 p.m. Suggested Donation of $1 per person or $10 per family of five or more. • Movie Nights on the Grass at Greenville

Elementary: June 17 and July 15 at 9 p.m. • Bingo Nights: June 21 and July 19 at 7 p.m. 18 years and older. Win prizes and support the library! Entry Fee is $20. • Art Festival & Art Auction: July 30, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Professional-level artists are encouraged to enter art pieces (min. $50 sale value) for the Art Auction. More information at the library’s website.