Thanks to a large corporate donation by Unum to the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Bicentennial Library, the library can now provide books necessary to fulfill the summer reading requirements of the Hamilton County public school system.
Library officials purchased $10,000 in new children’s and teen books with the help of Unum, adding new titles included in this year’s school required reading lists and replacing worn-out books. “The average children’s book circulates about forty times in a year,” reports David Clapp, Library Director. “Based on the number of times each book will circulate, over 20,000 area children and teens will benefit from this donation this year alone.”
Books on the schools’ required reading list are in great demand, and that demand increases as the next school year draws near. Mr. Clapp reported “With limited funds to purchase new materials, this donation has filled a serious void in our collection. We are honored that Unum values our work and has made it possible for us to greatly improve library service to area children and teens.”
“At Unum, we believe in building strong communities and a strong education system,” said Bob Best, chief operating officer for Unum. “The library’s Summer Reading Program will help prepare students for greater learning, improve student engagement and increase achievement. We’re proud to be a part of that.”
Children and teens may count required school reading toward reaching the library programs’ reading requirements. This year the library is hosting two programs, “Be Creative @ Your Library” for young readers and “Express Yourself @ Your Library” for teens.
Children’s summer reading program participants range from newborns to 12 year olds. The younger children can listen to, while the older children read, a minimum of 10 books. “It is vital that children be exposed to books over the summer months,” Mr. Clapp added, “otherwise important reading skills may be lost. Our summer reading programs are designed to stimulate the imagination and create young readers.”
Registration is underway for both programs and continues through July 11. All logbooks are due July 18. On July 25, a Grand Finale for children will be held at the First Tennessee Pavilion with games, prizes, storytelling and more.
Teens must read a minimum of 3 books to complete their program. Throughout the summer, the Central Library downtown will host special book clubs, movies and game days. On August 1, a teen wrap-up party will be held in the Central Library’s auditorium with music, food, prizes, crafts, games and more.
Last year over 5,000 children and 300 teens registered to participate in the library’s programs.