RPL summer reading program ends with party, prize-winning handouts

The Rochester Library held a party with cake last month for children in its summer reading program. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The Rochester Public Library announced on Tuesday that it is resuming its normal hours beginning today and will once again be open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Last month the library hosted a celebration for children who took its summer reading program, which served hundreds of Rochester kids from the end of June through the beginning of August.

More than 400 children attended the library's summer reading events, which included a talk on sled dog racing and a visit from Wildlife Encounters. In all, 358 kids who registered for this year's children's program read a total of 5,718 books and earned 751 small prizes for their accomplishments.

The library also welcomed teens and adults to participate in their own programs, with older readers earning a single raffle entry for each book they read this summer. Forty-four teens from sixth through 12th grades logged 416.5 hours of summer reading. Teens submitted reading logs and book reports on the stories they read, which were made available in the teen room for others to look through.

The adult prize raffle ultimately collected more than 1,500 entries, with one participant taking home a prize basket.

"The summer reading program is a great way for the library to bring together Rochester residents of all ages and ability levels," library director Brian Sylvester said. "It's also an invaluable opportunity for kids and teens to continue their reading and growth over the summer so that they can be better prepared for the beginning of the school year."

Sponsors of this year's summer program, all of which provided prizes to participants, included the Boston Bruins, Boston Red Sox, Canobie Lake Park, Charlie's Pizza, Victory Club, Fisher Cats, Golick's Dairy Bar, Jetpack Comics, Portland Sea Dogs, Water Country and York's Wild Kingdom.