BENTONVILLE — The Bentonville Public Library’s summer reading program almost has topped last year’s record participation just three days into the two-month program.
More than 1,300 people registered as of Wednesday. The program includes performances, workshops and story time, along with plenty of prizes to encourage children to read.
Summer reading drew 1,603 participants last year and brought 7,156 people into the library for events, according to the library’s 2012 annual report. It generated almost 20,000 reading hours over two months.
The library offered early registration for the first time starting in May. People can register online at www.bentonvillelibrary.org or in person at the library. The longer time frame makes the program more manageable for staff, said Hadi Dudley, library director.
“Early numbers demonstrate that patrons appear to enjoy the flexible time frame, too,” she said.
At A Glance
Summer Reading
Events at the Bentonville Library include:
• Today: Ozarkestra: Toucan Jam, 2 p.m.
• Saturday: Chemistry workshop for grades five through eight, 1-3 p.m.
• Monday: Movie: “Diary of a Wimy Kid: Dog Days,” 1 p.m.
• Wednesday: Abrakadoodle workshop for grades one through four, 2 p.m.
• Wednesday: Origami workshop for grades one through six, 2 p.m.
For more events and storytime dates, visit the library’s website at www.bentonvillelibrary.org. The library is at 405 S. Main St.
Source: Bentonville Library
The annual reading celebration drives attendance to the library during the summer months, but doesn’t cost the city a dime.
The $5,000 cost is shouldered by the Friends of the Bentonville Public Library, Dudley said. The money goes to pay for performances ranging from musical acts to science experiments, as well as prizes for those who reach their goals.
“I think we’re giving away whistles to the kids this week,” Dudley said. “It’s not much, but it’s fun for the kids.”
Summer events have been so popular in the pas the library will book two performances on the same day for the most sought-after acts, Dudley told Library Advisory Board members Wednesday. The library will host two performances of Mad Science on June 13 and Tommy Terrific’s magic show on July 18.
“We’ve exceeded capacity in the past,” Dudley said. “It’s hard to turn people away.”
A showing of “Hotel Transylvania” at the library on the first day of the program drew 130 people, just 20 below the cutoff for capacity.
“I assumed we are getting close to that number last year,” said board member Elaine Kerr.
With the expected influx of crowds, the library lists a site for overflow parking on the event guide. A lot at the corner of Southwest Fourth and Southwest Main streets is set aside of overflow use.
Events include popular movies every Monday, “Curious Kids” workshops throughout the week and large performances on Thursdays. All events are free, though the workshops require advanced registration.
Sue Ann Pekel, children’s librarian, pointed to statistics showing students who participate in summer reading programs score higher on reading achievement tests at the beginning of the school year than those who don't participate.
“Last year, more than 1,600 children participated in the summer reading program and we hope even more will participate this year,” Pekel said. “Research has proven that summer reading helps children.”
Children aren’t the only ones targeted for summer fun. The library also will host summer reading programs for teenagers and adults.
“We want our Summer Reading Club to motivate teens to read and discuss good books and encourage adults to enjoy the experience of reading, along with the children in our community,” Dudley said.
Children and teens are encouraged to set a goal for how much time they will spend reading. As they progress toward their goal, the library will provide small incentive prizes. Each child will receive a free book when they reach their goal, and the first 100 children to reach 20 hours will receive two free tickets to a Northwest Arkansas Naturals baseball game.
The adult program asks readers to set a goal for how many books they will read over June and July. As they post their progress online, their names will be entered into weekly drawings for Walmart gift cards.