By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

NORTH SHELBY—Kids at the North Shelby Library celebrated nearly two months of reading with a Summer Reading End Party on July 22. Storyteller and musician Mr. Mac led songs and told stories while kids enjoyed lemonade and snacks.

An annual tradition at the North Shelby Library, the Summer Reading Program encourages kids to continue learning over the summer, even though school is out. Children can read any type of book they would like, and receive incentives for reading.

Every hour of reading a chapter book and every five easy readers or picture books read earned a library dollar, which kids could save up and exchange for various prizes at the library.

This year, 1,136 kids participated in the North Shelby Library’s Summer Reading Program. They logged a total of 351,567 minutes read, and completed 21,314 books.

“They surpassed last year, definitely!” North Shelby Library Children’s Librarian Cecelia Dean said.

The Summer Reading Program wasn’t just about reading. The library also hosted fun, educational programs throughout the eight-weeks, such as crafts and presentations from the McWane Center, magicians and more.

The party rewarded kids for their participation. The top readers in each age group were recognized and given prizes, and Dean announced winners of this year’s grand prizes, a bicycle and a Kindle Fire.

The July 22 Summer Reading End Party was just one of the library’s celebrations for this year’s participants. On July 24, at 4 p.m., the North Shelby Library is holding Teen Summer Reading End Party, complete with a movie. And on July 25, at 10:30 a.m., the library will hold the End of Summer Reading Party with Starshine Faces, a fun face-painting program and show.