Roachdale Public Library carries momentum of reading program at elementary school into summer

With students proudly displaying the number of books and chapters they read during the school year, they are honored by Roachdale Public Library Director Jennifer Stranger (left) and Roachdale Elementary School Principal Beth Waterman.

Courtesy photo

ROACHDALE — Last August, the Roachdale Public Library and Roachdale Elementary School embarked on a reading challenge.

With a goal of getting students excited about reading and expanding their horizons, the program was successful beyond the expectations of library Director Jennifer Stranger and school Principal Beth Waterman.

“We honestly had no idea how long the program would hold steam,” Stranger said. “We found our answer — the entire school year.”

Over the course of the year, Roachdale Elementary students read 19,220 books and chapters. “Students began reading new genres, recommending books to friends and sharing stories with each other,” Stranger said. “For all of the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, aides, and caregivers who have been encouraging these students — thank you. What an amazing group of kids.”

On the final day of school, during the awards ceremony, Stranger and Waterman celebrated the top readers.

With the school year over, the library is also offering a full lineup of summer programs for all ages this summer.

In addition to the traditional summer reading program on Thursdays (3:30-4:30 p.m., June 1 through July 20), there is a separate program for students going into fourth through 12th grades on Tuesday afternoons (1-2:30 p.m., June 6 to July 11) and family programs on the first and third Monday evenings (6:30-7:30 p.m.) and Saturday afternoons (1-3 p.m.).

Thanks to sponsorship from Tri-County Band & Trust and Hoosier Heartland State Bank, the Roachdale Public Library is also offering free yoga classes at the Roachdale Community Center. Tuesdays at the Community Center, adults can try out chair yoga with Kim Green of Quest for Balance from 3-4 p.m. on June 6, 13, 20 and 27. In addition, Katherine Asbell will lead a beginner yoga class at the Community Center on Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on June 8, 15, 22 and 29.

The Library is also partnering with the Roachdale Friends of the Library and Roachdale Community Park to offer free lunches on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. from June 7 through July 19.

Check out all of the library events on its Facebook page: Roachdale Public Library, or contact Jennifer at 522-1491 or via e-mail roachdalepubliclibrary@gmail.com.