By GINNY COOPER MCCARLEY / Special to the Reporter

HELENA – Summer reading was a smashing success at Helena’s Jane B. Homes Library, where about 300 kids read nearly 5,000 books over the course of the program.

“It went really well,” Library Director Daniel Dearing said. “We had really good participation.”

For siblings Cole Kelly and Brelyn Kelly, the program was a chance to explore their love of reading.

Cole Kelley read approximately 50 books, and his sister Brelyn Kelley read 260 books.

“I really liked all of them,” Brelyn Kelley said of the books she read over the summer.

On Wednesday, July 22, kids who participated in summer reading celebrated the end of the program with a party and as well as a surprise treat—everyone who attended the celebration received a ticket for a free Kona Ice from the truck parked next to the library.

“Just because our program is over, it’s still important and fun to continue visiting the library,” Dearing reminded young readers during the party.

The theme for this year’s summer reading program was “Every hero has a story,” and kids recalled heroes they studied during the summer including policemen and firemen.

Children also had the chance to share their favorite books read during the summer, including the very popular “Wayside School is Falling Down.”

“Make sure to stop by the library and read for the rest of the summer,” Dearing reminded kids.

The Jane B. Homes Library also hosted a party on July 23 for adults who participated in adult summer reading, with food catered by Newk’s Eatery and music from local musician Ben Williams.