Newport News Public Library System enrolled 3100 children and teens in their six-week summer reading program this year—an increase of 140% over last year’s enrollment. The Library partnered with the Newport News Public School’s SPARK program and Parks, Recreation and Tourism’s summer programs in order to reach as many children as possible.
Funded by Friends of the Newport News Library, a non-profit organization, the annual summer reading program offers incentives to keep children and teens motivated to read. Participants received prizes for reading which were donated from area businesses including Whole Foods, Rebounderz and Paragon Theaters just to name a few.
In addition, approximately 2500 participants attended 118 free events and hands-on activities the Library offered at four branch libraries and at some of the SPARK sites. Some of the events included performances by professional artists and hands-on STEM activities like Stop Motion Animation, Bristle Bot Making or LEGO engineering, but also art, dancing, yoga, story programs and more.