NEWTON, NC – Branch managers of the Catawba County Library System report that 1,387 children and youth have signed up for Summer Reading since May 18.

The program, focused on the themes “Be Creative @ Your Library” and “Express Yourself @ Your Library,” encourages reading when school is not in session.

With increased library traffic overall, Youth Services staff expects a significant growth in participation. Last summer, 1,250 young people took part in the entire program.

“We have far exceeded that figure and it’s only early July,” said April Green, library services specialist in Newton. “We have several more events and an ending party that should boost our numbers even further.”

Program attendance there is already up 50 percent from a year ago. As of July 7, the Main Library had 516 signed up for the reading program, well above the 386 for all of 2008.

Most of the six branches have equaled or exceeded last year’s totals a little more than half-way into the season. Catawba County Library System operates branches at Conover, Claremont, Maiden, Southwest, Sherrills Ford and St. Stephens in addition to the Main Library in Newton.

Among the branches, Sherrills Ford has seen the highest percentage increase with 162 participants, about 40 percent above last year.
The increase in Summer Reading participation mirrors traffic statistics for the library system in general. Stressed by a weakened economy, more and more residents have looked to the public library to borrow books and video materials. Likewise, patrons are using free library services such as computer classes and Internet access to look for jobs and/or check email.

The free Summer Reading programs are especially attractive to families on a budget. A few of the upcoming programs include Ronald McDonald visits, creative movement demonstrations, story times, art and craft workshops, music sessions and more. A complete calendar is available from any library branch or online via the library website at www.catawbacountync.gov/library and click on “events.”