Another year has ended for the TD Summer Reading Club at the Airdrie Public Library and what a summer it was.

“We had over 500 kids sign up for the Summer Reading program which beat the numbers from last year,” says coordinator Madeline Cooper, “we chose to use a ballot system so one hour would equal one hour of reading. Last year’s numbers, they beat them out of the water, it’s incredible, the kids have done an amazing job.”

A magician performs at the finale for the TD Summer Reading Club on Saturday

Cooper says the program this year involved more than just the kids reading a ton of books.

“This year we chose to use a STEAM element, so the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math which was super fun. We exploded Watermelons, also scavenger hunts around the Library to get the kids familiar with certain areas that we have in the library so they know where resources are.”

Other experiments and activities included making boats from duct tape and the traditional baking soda and vinegar structures.

Jason Wong who also worked as a coordinator with the program was blown away by how much the kids wanted to read.

“I think it’s amazing. Some kids come in with 50 something hours, that’s days of reading that they sit home. They read all the time.”

The tremendous response for the program this year was also encouraging especially in the age of smartphones and tablets, which was a big encouragement to Cooper.

“I think it’s really impressive how much these kids like to read and I think it’s important to instil a love of reading in them when they’re so young and I’m really glad that people utilize the Airdrie Public Library.”

Yesterday’s finale included an Emoji Scavenger Hunt and a magic show.

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