Library celebrates launching of this year's Bookworm program

CHILLICOTHE— Reading isn't just for the school year and the Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library is here to prove it with the Bookworm Summer Reading Program. This year marks the 69th celebration of the program in Ross County.

This program features challenges for readers of all ages to complete on a bingo card. With each age group, more challenges are added. When a reader gets bingo or completes their card they are able to win fun prizes from the library like a free book.

Challenges cover a variety of topics such as reading for a certain amount of time, reading a book of a genre that you don't normally read, reading a book set in the year you were born, reading outside, visiting the library and more. Some challenges involve little to no reading such as eating a new fruit or vegetable and doing a random act of kindness. Those needing help finding books to read can also check out the library's curated list broken down by age groups.

Enrichment Services Manager Liz Gibbons-Camp said programs like this one are important because they help instill a love of reading in children at a young age. It also helps to prevent the summer slump, a challenge many kids face where their skills drop while they are out of school for the summer and not practicing what they have learned.

"It is a way to get people excited about reading," said Communications & Marketing Manager Courtney Lewis.

The celebration, which was held outside this year, had over 300 people attending from all over the county. The event also brought together the different library branches to celebrate together. Each branch had a table with an activity for people to participate in, like mini-games, snack making and more. There was also music, face painting, snow cones and the Bee Mobile for people to enjoy.

Kelly Seymor, mother of Cassie Seymor, said they come to many events at the library and often go to several different branches around the area. The programs have helped her daughter get better at reading and become more independent as she has grown up.

"We love it," said Seymor of the library. "There are so many programs available."

Cassie, 10, said she likes coming to the library and reading, especially comic books because they are funny. She is excited to once again be participating in the Bookworm program.

Those taking on the challenge have until July 26 to complete and log their accomplishments.

Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter@Shelby_Reeves_