First graders at Cedar Springs Public Schools proudly show off envelopes with their new library cards inside.

Last Thursday, February 25, 265 first graders got their library cards in what has become an annual event at Cedar Springs Public Schools.
On hand to pass out the cards was Cedar Springs Public Library Director Donna Clark, Sara Magnuson, parapro at Kent District Library in Sand Lake, and Katie the KDL Mascot.

According to Clark, 243 out of the 265 that got cards either already had their own library cards or got a new card. “That’s 92 percent! How exciting!” remarked Clark.

Of those that got cards, 109 were from the City of Cedar Springs or Solon Township, and 134 were from the service area for KDL.

This young man enjoyed a night at the Kent Theatre as part of the library card drive.

To celebrate, the kids were treated to a free movie at the Kent Theatre Monday and Tuesday evening—Alvin and the Chipmunks the Squeakquel. There were 68 first-graders on Monday night, and 74 on Tuesday evening. The Cedar Springs Public Library covered their $3 entry fee, thanks to the generous donation of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Holton, who love to promote education and reading in Cedar Springs.

Mrs. Graf had 21 of her 26 students show up for the movie; Mrs. Holtrop had 17 of her 25 and Mrs. Herman had 16 out of 25. Other teachers were right behind them. “What a great job all of the teachers do each and every year, encouraging their students to get their library card registrations back so their class can come in with 100 percent participation for ‘March is Reading Month,’” said Clark.

The new library cards can be used at any local library.

The Cedar Springs Public Library and Kent District Library both received awards for best library reading programs in the State of Michigan in 2006 by the Michigan Library Association.