Bookworms have been busy

This summer is one for the record books at Newton Public Library.

Results of the library’s nearly two-month-long summer reading program show record-setting numbers. More than 1,500 people signed up for the summer reading program, which consisted of 738 adults, 693 kids and 82 teens. Those who participated were eligible for prizes like movie tickets and Kindle e-readers.

From June 2 to July 30, a total of 85 programs were offered to kids, teens and adults, which saw more than 4,000 total attendees. During that time there were more than 24,000 total checkouts and 14,700 library visits, making it one of the most successful summer reading programs to date.

Becca Klein, public service librarian, said attendance in general has been really good in the past year or two. But the adult summer reading program in particular saw its highest participation this year, beating the 2021 participation of 661. Klein said even with the pandemic the library has seen adult participation climbing.

Even more impressive is Newton Public Library was recently ranked No. 2 in the state for adult programs, with more than 6,400 adults participating.

Phyllis Peter, youth services librarian, said the children’s numbers were some of the highest they have ever been. In 2014, about 741 kids signed up for summer reading. Although this year’s registration was about 48 kids short, Peter’s competitiveness will no doubt amp up her excitement for 2023.

Regardless, the 2022 summer reading program numbers were a net positive for the library considering the pandemic.

“We’re really excited to see numbers back up,” Peter said. “For total children’s programming (not just summer reading) we had 13,358, and that was the highest for our size of library in the state. That includes both on-site and off-site. I’ve tried to really increase the number of preschool visits and daycare visits I’m doing.”

Which helped the numbers in the long run. Peter also gives a lot of credit to Dolly Parton and her Imagination Library program, which gives kids one free book a month until they reach kindergarten. Launched as the Jasper County Books for Little Friends program in 2021, it brought a lot of new people into the library.

“I think it made us very visible in the community,” Peter said. “So a huge thank you to the Friends of the Newton Public Library for sponsoring the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. I’ve noticed a lot of new people coming in and getting cards and asking about story times and different programs.”

Teens are the most challenging demographic to reach at the Newton Public Library, but Peter said the teen numbers were good this year for the summer programs. Altogether, there were eight teen programs that attracted about 67 attendees this summer.

With such great summer stats, Klein said the real take away is knowing the library “is important to the community.” Staff also worked hard to make sure exciting and accessible programming was available to all during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Klein said, “During the pandemic, when so many of my regular programming events and outlets were not feasible for us, I really did work pretty hard on trying to find other avenues to connect with people. And some of those programs and events proved to be so popular we held onto them.”

For example, the mystery bags have been really popular and show no sign of slowing down. Klein said it is even difficult to keep up with the demand. The monthly mystery bags come with theme books and a craft kit, and Klein believes they have made regular readers out of people who weren’t necessarily before.

Children had lots of interactive, educational and entertaining programs and events this summer. Whether kids were playing with bubbles or getting to know feathered friends, staff facilitated plenty of fun opportunities for kids to hang out at the library.

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Lots of children participate in the Absolute Science Bubble Open House on June 20 at the Newton Public Library. (Christopher Braunschweig)

Coupled with the record-setting stats , Peter said it all shows how essential the library is to people.

“I’ve had parents and grandparents say to me, ‘I don’t know what I would do without the library in the summer,’ because they count on the free programs that we have to keep the kids educated and entertained,” Peter said. “It shows that the library is a vibrant part of the community. We’re serving a need here.”

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com