This summer we helped the Youth Librarian, Elizabeth Lee, make the 2024 Summer Reading Program: Adventure Begins at the Library a resounding success. This year they had record numbers across the board at the Punta Gorda Charlotte Library. There were 375 kids registered for Summer Reading and had 79 kids finish Summer Reading by July 20. The finale Glow in the Dark Pizza Party was well received. At the Kick Off Party, they handed out 200 hot dog tickets, registered 144 kids on the first day of Summer Reading, and had a blast outside on the back lawn. There were glitter tattoos, and all the outdoor games that the Friends graciously bought for the library for the families to enjoy.
Also, the Library had Alex Willan author visit in July and between the three library branches, there were 69 people in attendance- by far the best author visit yet to date at least in the almost 5 years the youth librarian has been here. He read two of his books to the kids, did a couple drawings with them, answered some marvelous questions, announced his new book coming out in March 2025, and autographed any books that the kids brought with them. Elizabeth had wanted him to come back down to Florida for the longest time to do an author visit in Charlotte County, and with our assistance we made her wish come true and made our kids’ day.