The 2024 Summer Reading Program was a tremendous success, culminating in lively celebrations and awards ceremonies across the Bienville Parish Library system. From July 24 through July 26, each library branch hosted its event, recognizing and celebrating the achievements of all participants.
Highlights of the Awards Ceremony
Each library branch selected its top readers in various age categories, with the overall parish-wide reading champions chosen from these standout participants. The Top Readers were honored with trophies, prizes, and certificates of achievement, celebrating their exceptional commitment to reading over the summer months.
Reading Requirements
To qualify as a top reader, participants had to meet specific reading goals tailored to their age groups:
Independent Readers: An independent reader is someone who can read on their own, with little to no help from adults.
- Children aged 3 to 8: The requirement was to read at least 30 books.
- Children aged 9 to 13: The challenge was reading at least 2,000 pages.
- For children aged 14 to 17: The challenge was to read at least 3,000 pages.
Family Shared Reading: Designed for children ages 3-PreK/K. This is a fun way to strengthen parent/child relationships while developing the love of reading. Family Shared Reading also reinforces social-emotional skills for school success. Additionally, children with special needs can enjoy being read to and have a fun and interactive activity with parents and siblings.
- Family Reader: The challenge was to have at least 30 books read to children younger than three years or a child with special needs.
Celebrating Every Reader
Every child who completed the program was celebrated and rewarded for their efforts. They received brag tags, a reading certificate, and a prize, ensuring all participants felt recognized and encouraged in their reading journeys. This inclusive approach underscored the program’s commitment to fostering a love of reading in children of all ages.
Top Readers Across the Parish
Each library in the Bienville Parish system proudly selected its Top Readers of the 2024 Summer Reading Program. These young achievers were acknowledged for their outstanding efforts, inspiring their peers and community. Here is a list of the top readers by age group from each library branch:
Arcadia Library
- Ages 3-8: Lily Domangue, 213 books [READING CHAMPION]
- Ages 9-13: Mackenzie Dodge, 2,750 pages
- Family Reader: Denver Smith, 137 books [READING CHAMPION]
Ringgold Library
- Ages 3-8: Libby Bates, 53 books
- Ages 9-13: Lane Coats, 1,494 pages
- Ages 14-17: Sydney Bates, [NA]pages
- Family Reader: J.P. Coats, 34 books
Saline Library
- Ages 3-8: Norah Burns, 70 books
- Ages 9-13: Braydon Ponder, 3,297 pages
- Ages 14-17: Brayden Robinson, 3,024 pages
- Family Reader: Jasper Dison, 34 books
Castor Library
- Ages 3-8: Bindi Nelson, 57 books
- Ages 9-13: Maggie Guin, 2,010 pages
- Family Reader: Kinsley Meylian, 73 books
Gibsland Library
- Ages 3-8: Alaysia Bailey, 31 books
- Ages 9-13: Raelynn Flournoy, 5,118 pages [READING CHAMPION]
- Family Reader: Makhia Williams, 30 books
2024 SRP Reading Champions
Bienville Parish Library System
Lily Domangue
Independent Reader
Denver Smith
Family Shared Reader
Arcadia Main
Raelynn Flournoy
Independent Reader
Gibsland Branch
A Community Effort
The success of the 2024 Summer Reading Program was a collective effort, reflecting the dedication of not just the children but also their parents, grandparents, and caregivers. The program’s theme, “Adventure Begins at Your Library!” truly came to life, thanks to the support of families who encouraged reading and participated in library activities.
Conclusion
Congratulations to all the children, their families, and the entire Bienville Parish Library staff for fostering a lifelong love of reading in every child, and making this year’s program a phenomenal success! SEE YOU AT THE LIBRARY!