Bruce County Public Library's TD Summer Reading Club held a kick off event in Sauble Beach June 25 where BCPL's Kathryn brought her medieval flare. Photo submitted.

Hub Staff

The numbers are in and the Bruce County Public Library (BCPL) held their most successful TD Summer Reading Club ever.

Every one of the 17 BCPL branches saw more registrants and time logged than in previous years, leading to significant increases for the program. All told, 459 participants logged 217,570 minutes reading time in 2022 with the Chesley branch leading the way at 34,545 minutes. BCPL attributes staff enthusiasm and efforts to reach members of their communities.

“Our TD Summer Reading Club saw more children engage with reading throughout the summer than ever before," said Library Director Brooke McLean. "This success of our TD Summer Reading Club means that more children will return to school prepared for a great year having maintained or improved their reading skills," McLean said.

The Summer Reading Club kicked off June 25 with an event at Sauble Beach branch that saw 200 in attendance. Branches hosted weekly Club meetings, each consisting of literacy-focused programs, activities, games and story times, all created by staff and all coinciding with that week's theme. Total meeting attendance across all branches was 1,047.

BCPL introduced new window clings that were awarded to the 235 children who logged over two hours reading time. Patrons who logged reading hours were entered into monthly price draws. A ribbon-based system was created for readers who reached certain milestones through reading and tasks, earning different tiers. Prizes included Crayola Pour 'n Paint Kits, mini dragon wristlets and colourful kites. Several participants collected every ribbon by the program's close at the end of August.

“Thank you to everyone who registered and logged hours, to the Bruce County Public Library staff who ran engaging, fun, weekly programs that kept bringing kids back every week, and to all the groups and performers who participated in our Kick-Off Event," said Program Coordinator Nancy Kuhl. "I hope everyone enjoyed this year’s Summer Reading Club as much as we did," Kuhl said.

BCPL patrons can participate in reading challenges all year long through Beanstack, complete with tracking, challenges and prizes.

Visit brucecounty.beanstack.org/reader365 for more.

Explore the Bruce County Public Library online at library.brucecounty.on.ca.

David and Abigail received their gold ribbons at the Wiarton Branch. Photo submitted.