Children, Teens Read Over 63,000 Books During Mercer County Summer Reading Program

A total of 4,321 children and teens read more than 63,000 books during the Mercer County Library System seven-week 2016 Summer Reading Program, county officials announced Monday morning.

Additionally, 838 activities were offered to an audience of 24,943 children and their families, and 247 teens experienced the library hands-on and behind the scenes, volunteering for a total of more than 4,400 hours.

“Fostering a love of books encourages young people to be imaginative, articulate and inquisitive for the rest of their lives,” Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes said. “The success of this program reflects well on our citizens, and I am proud that Mercer County is host to so many active library users and happy, well-read kids.”

Two programs were offered during the program, which ran from June 20-Aug. 5.

“On Your Mark, Get Set…Read” was for kids through age 11, and “Get in the Game: Read!” was for teens. Both programs encouraged participants to explore fitness, exercise and the mind.

“Our goal is to keep children, teens and adults engaged with libraries throughout the summer by offering incentives and opportunities related to reading,” Hughes said. “Our Summer Reading Program improves access to library materials and literacy-related activities such as story hours, creative arts, performances and other special events, and encourages youth to become lifelong library users and readers.”

Mercer County Library System’s nine branch locations are located in member municipalities as follows: Ewing, Hickory Corner (East Windsor), Hightstown, Hollowbrook Community Center (Ewing), Hopewell, Lawrence, Robbinsville, Twin Rivers (East Windsor) and West Windsor.

The Mercer County Library System offers regularly scheduled story, craft and musical program sessions throughout the year.

For a complete list of children’s and adult programs, visit www.mcl.org.