Summer reading program can become lifelong love of books

Children of all ages, sizes and interests and adults were at the Park on Pavilion Square (POPS) in Forest City recently to celebrate the summer reading program sponsored by the Rutherford County Library System.

Mountains Branch, Haynes Branch, Rutherford County Library, Mooneyham, Norris and Spindale public libraries were all represented at the event where librarians had an opportunity to show off their calendar of events for the summer's "Color Our World" theme.

"It was highly successful with over 200 people attending," said Rutherford County Librarian April Young.

"Participants got to meet the staff and people from six different libraries in our Foothills Consortium, Young said. "It is our goal to have reading activities that will follow them throughout their lives to keep on reading," said Young.

"The summer reading program isn't just for children. It's also for adults," she said. The 2025 Adult Summer Reading Challenge is also available at the respected libraries.

Forest City Town Manager Janet Mason also attended, "There's a lot of people here," Mason said of the crowd.

When children weren't at the various library stations, they were playing games, running through the splash pads and enjoying a ride on the Little Blue Choo, the popular trackless train accommodating both children and adults. The train conductor took the riders on Main Street and to POPS. Pick ups were under the Farmers Market shelter.

Throughout the summer, there are numerous art themed programs at the various libraries.

Ways to participate in the programs:

• Pick up a copy of your age group's reading log at any of the library branches

• Download a copy on the website

• Track reading on ReadSquared. Visit: www.rutherfordcountylibrary.org/SRP

rutherford.ReadSquared.com

For more information call:

• Rutherford County Library, Spindale:

828-287-6115

• Haynes Branch Henrietta: 828-888-4039

• Mountains Branch Library, Lake Lure: 828-287-6392

• Norris Public Library, Rutherfordton:

828-287-3520, ext. 3

• Spindale Public Library, Spindale: 828-286-3879

• Mooneyham Public Library, Forest City:

828-248-5224