The Bozeman Public Library children’s summer reading program and activities were held outside on the front lawn from June 15th – August 28th. Our children’s staff safely interacted with 1,285 kids and families, which included an outdoor concert, puppet show, drumming workshop, and story times each day over the lunch hour. Free lunches were provided to all children by the Gallatin Valley Food Bank. Library staff also traveled to each of the other free lunch sites in town to provide materials and activities for children.
This year we utilized READsquared software to track our summer readers. 298 children signed up to read 100 books or 2,000 pages each over the summer. We are proud of all our little readers! Participants who reached the goal were awarded a $10 gift certificate to their choice of the Country Bookshelf or the Rocky Mountain Toy Co.
Summer reading was more important than ever this year with spring school closures compounded by summer slide, the loss of reading skills over the extended break. We were happy to be able to provide some safe, outdoor fun while instilling a lifelong love of reading in children.
We are so grateful to everyone who supported this critical program by contributing to our Books Beat the Summer Slide Matching Gift Challenge. You made a big difference for kids!