Celebrating the magic of reading with a special guest

Boundary County Library, voted Best Small Library in America in 2017, completed its Summer Reading Finale, a nationwide program to encourage students and families to read.

According to Craig Anderson, Boundary County Library director, the reading finale is an initiative that has been around for years.

The culmination of the reading initiative is produced to thank the children and families who participated in the reading program.

The summer reading program works at preventing summer slide; summer slide refers to the loss of learning that occurs when school breaks and isn’t in session.

The goal of five thousand books and chapters to read was not met because of library disruptions, due to COVID-19. The participants reached up to 4,000 books read.

Anderson spoke about following Panhandle Health District guidelines to ensure the safety of all program attendees.

The reading program is a national program that featured a fantasy theme this year. The Library worked on the theme in the spring and created fantasy-related displays around the Library.

The park next to the library held the event. It showcased mazes, obstacle courses, arts and crafts, shaded reading areas and book giveaways.

The event featured magician Dave Spencer as Larry Blotter, Harry Potter’s distant relative. He performed magic tricks and created balloon animals for young attendees.

Spencer stays involved with the Library’s programs and offers his magical services because of the importance of childhood literacy and entertaining kids.

“I’m really a supporter of kids reading,” Spencer said. “Once you go inside that book you can be in another planet, country or another life. It’s essential for kids.”

According to staff, 20 adults and 42 children attended the Summer Reading Finale event.

Boundary County Librarian Dana Boiler believes the library plays an essential role for students and particularly during the current uncertain times.

“We have an added responsibility with school being up in the air and were that adjunct for the schools this year,” Boiler said.

Tamara Wagner, a participating parent in the program with her children, loves the library for the programs offered during a COVID-19 climate.

According to Wagner, she visits the library three times a week. In the past, she has participated in the summer and winter reading programs.

“It’s a beautiful day so we came down to get our free books and see the magician,” Wagner said.

The library staff is already looking towards planning the winter reading program that begins in January to march; a possible theme is American football.

Children’s librarian Teri Neumayer believes the importance of reading during school breaks and encourages adults to read.

“We’ve always encouraged to read to someone, even if your pets in the room,” Neumayer said.