A Happy Ending for Library’s Summertime Reading Program

Turning pages to pore over lines of good prose was the hot hobby for thousands of youths this summer, according to Thousand Oaks librarians.

The library’s annual Summer Reading Club attracted 3,263 young readers from the end of June to the middle of August, according to Marvin Smith, library services director.

That’s a 1,200-person jump from last year, he said.

Little ones to 18-year-olds read a total of 88,500 books during the seven-week period. In addition, information requests at the children’s desk doubled, and more than 1,100 children attended 32 special programs during the summer, he said.

“To say that the participation level exceeded our expectations would be an understatement,” Smith said.

Readers kept track of their own progress, at both the main library and the Newbury Park branch, by signing reading logs, which were donated by Wells Fargo Bank.

Readers were rewarded with certificates and small awards, such as bookmarks or puzzles, when they met their individual goals. Bob Stone, who hosts the “Commander Bob, The Space Detective” magic show, performed a congratulatory act on Aug. 7 to salute the bookworms.

No book was off-limits.

“We just encourage reading,” said Roxanne Burg, senior librarian of children’s services.

She added that two paperback series, “The Magic Attic” and “The Animorphs,” were especially popular with readers ages 7 to 10 this year.

The library’s fall story hours, on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, begin Oct. 20. Patrons can visit the library Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. It is located at 1401 E. Janss Road. For more information, call 499-2660.