Summer Reading Program 2009 Wrap-Up

The annual Summer Reading Program was a great success at the Crowell Public Library. Kicking off our second summer in the new building, the theme this year for children was, "Be Creative @ Your Library," and "Express Yourself" for young adults. Focusing on the fine arts such as art, dance, and music, the library was abound with avid readers and creative youth. Participants took part in such exciting programs as "Learn How to Hula," presented by the lovely ladies of Halau Hula 'O Kawahineali'inoho'ikeanuenue-'elua; "Let's Make Music," presented by music teacher Nicholas Pulido and sponsored by the San Marino Masonic Lodge No. 408; the very popular "Kids in the Kitchen" cooking classes, taught by Monrovia Unified School District's Terry Forrest; wild and crazy Teen Improv; and the exciting Teen Vampire Night. Families looking for a way to cool off from the heat relaxed at our weekly children's and teen movie days in the Barth Community Room. Participants enjoyed complimentary popcorn and watched such fun films highlighting the "Be Creative" theme like Happy Feet and Ratatouille.

The number of children registered for the "Be Creative @ Your Library" program was an astonishing number of 1,107 - a record high! The Crowell Public Library would like to congratulate the 308 children who completed the entire program by reading at least 400 minutes, a cumulative total of 123,200 minutes! Those children who finished the program received a special reading award, a gift certificate from the San Marino Toy and Book Shoppe, and an invitation to the "Be Creative @ Your Library" Final Party.

The young adult program also had a great turn out with over 81 teens participating in the "Express Yourself" reading program, reading a grand total of over 255 books. Teens completed booktalks for raffle tickets to win such prizes as gift cards to Target, Vromans Bookstore, and an Ipod Nano. Congratulations to all of our readers!

The "Express Yourself" Summer Reading Program finished with a bang with a "Guitar Hero" library pizza party on July 31, 2009. Teens in attendance enjoyed pizza generously donated by Tony's Pizza, while challenging each other to guitar riffs on the popular Wii video game. The winners of the young adult "Get Caught Reading" photography contest were announced to be sixth graders, Tammy Lee & Stacey Yee. Their collaboration was titled, "Even Dogs Read, So Why Don't You?"

The children's Summer Reading Program concluded on Saturday, August 1st, with the final party held at the San Marino Center. Families of readers were enchanted by the magic and comedy of "Life of the Party's" David Skale. The winner of the children's "Get Caught Reading" photography contest was announced to be first grader, Sarah Chin. Her picture was titled, "Reading is for Champions." Anticipation filled the air as we raffled off several exciting prizes, such as family passes to Kidspace Museum and Santa Anita Park Turf Club passes. The afternoon festivities concluded with a round of root beer floats for all.

We would like to give a big thank you to all of our teen volunteers and "Ticktockers" from the National Charity League who donated countless hours assisting with the Summer Reading Program. A big thank you goes out to the following judges who devoted their time to make our photography contest successful: Michael Hillman (SMHS) and Police Chief Schaefer. We also want to give a big thank you to all the businesses and organizations that helped support the Summer Reading Program through their donations of reading incentives and prizes. We would like to also recognize the Friends of the Library, who sponsored the majority of the entertainment and activities throughout the summer. Their hard work, dedication, and support make it possible to continue the Summer Reading Program every year. THANK YOU!

Businesses and Organizations that Contributed to the Summer Reading Program