By Judy Reed

“If you build it, they will come.” That iconic line from the movie “Field of Dreams”  came true for the new Cedar Springs Community Library at the kickoff of their Summer Reading program on Monday, June 12, when between 950 and 1,000 people attended the opening event.

“At the end of yesterday we had 920 people signed up for summer reading, which is 300 more sign-ups than we ever had over an entire summer, and 400 more people came in Monday than have in the past,” remarked Library Director Donna Clark.

Double K Petting Barn with Animal Junction 4H had their petting zoo set up out back, under a tree, near the creek. But the heat didn’t seem to deter people. In fact, children took the opportunity to splash in the creek, hang out on the bridge, and rest on the well. “It was so great seeing kids rediscovering the creek,” remarked Clark.

The Cedar Springs Fire Department also had an engine pulled out for the kids to explore. The ice cream cups provided by Kelly’s Restaurant were also a big hit. One of the biggest hits was the appearance of Ronald McDonald himself, who entertained kids first outside with a book and some magic tricks, then inside in the area around the fireplace. “He was so kind and so funny,” said Clark. “Kids were lined up to get their picture taken with him.”

June and July will be filled with reading and special events. The more hours a person reads (K-12) and the more books adults read, the better his/her chance is to win one of the prizes offered by 29 local businesses.

The last day to turn in reading logs is July 21. The program will end with a carnival at Morley Park on July 27, where the prizes will be given away. But kids in grades K-12 don’t have to wait until July 27 to win something—they win with every one of the five reading coupons turned in throughout the summer.

For a complete schedule of events, stop in and pick up a brochure at the library.

KENT COUNTY—Last year, Kent District Library had the most popular summer reading program of any public library system in Michigan, with 33,269 participants. This year’s Summer Reading at KDL program, sponsored by Consumers Energy, runs from Monday, June 6 to Saturday, August 13. With reading activities and prizes for kids, teens and adults, Summer Reading @ KDL offers something for everyone. Participants can sign up at kdl.READsquared.com or fill out a paper registration at any KDL branch.

KDL is also offering an exciting line-up of free summer programs, including The Village Puppeteers, Magic with Tim Plunkard, DIY Spa for Teens, Adding Color to Your Garden and so much more!

Studies show that students typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do on the same tests at the beginning of summer vacation. Kent District Library’s summer reading program is an important step in helping to prevent what’s known as summer reading loss by providing programs and activities that encourage learning while children and teens are away from school. It’s a great way for families to Be Strong this summer.

For more information, call 784-2007 or visit www.kdl.org.

Cindy Karafa, from Double K Farms, talks to the children about the animals.

Hundreds of people signed up for the summer reading program Monday.

It was a great day Monday, June 9, for the Cedar Springs Library’s Summer Reading Kick-off party! According to Library Director Donna Clark, over 500 people came to sign up, celebrate and participate in festivities, which included the Double K Petting Zoo, Kelly’s free ice cream, and the Friends of the Library Book Sale.

“People were pouring in from all over Cedar Springs,” remarked Clark. “564 have signed up for the Summer Reading Program so far and 372 of those registered on Opening Day!”

Local merchants, service organizations, school students and local families support the Library’s summer reading outreach. “Prizes, publicity, performers, crafts and supplies have been secured for what is to be the very best summer ever,” noted Clark. “Programs are for all ages, babies to adults. Family programs will be held at the Cedar Springs Middle School on Wednesdays at 2 p.m.”

If you didn’t get signed up yet, you can still sign up all month. The more you read, the more chances you get to win prizes to be given out at the

The Cedar Springs Fire Department made a guest appearance at the summer reading kick off party Monday.

Reading Celebration Carnival, Wednesday, July 30, at Morley Park from 2-4 p.m.

Wednesday is the big day for family programs. Preschool story times are set for 11:15 at the library on the lawn, so bring a beach towel! The family programs are at the lovely Cedar Springs Middle School from 2-3pm. Two special programs with pizza are planned for the following groups: 4-6th graders, 7-12th graders and adults. Check the library’s new website at cedarspringslibrary.org to view all programs online.

“A special thanks to all of the staff and volunteers who made this event run smoothly!” said Clark. “We are blessed by a generous community.”