Carroll County Library Celebrates Successful "Unearth a Story" Summer Finale

HUNTINGDON (July 17) — The Carroll County Library wrapped up its two-month-long summer program with a jubilant finale on Friday. The finale included face-painting, scavenger hunts and even a visit from the library's resident dinosaur friends. Most important of all, the finale celebrated each participant's reading milestones over the summer.

Carroll County Library's "Unearth a Story" summer reading program was more than the occasional tot time visit or activity. Each year, the program incentivizes children — and sometimes adults — to read during the summer months. 

The program began with attendees choosing how to count their reading milestones — by the number of books read or the amount of time spent reading. On Friday, attendees reaped the benefits of their milestones, receiving library cash and raffle tickets to purchase or win different dinosaur-themed goodies the library had to offer. 

The library also recognized the program's top readers. Of participants counting their number of books read, Henry Travis and Gabby Hammer tied. Grace Vincent was the program's top intermediate winner, reading for 150 total hours. David Oh earned first place in the advanced category, reading for 235 total hours. Lastly, Cathy Crockett won in the adult division, reading for 237.5 hours.

In all, the library had 127 individuals sign up for the program, and 68 of those were active participants. Participants counting hours logged a collective 2,191 hours of reading, and participants counting books logged 2,128 total completed books.

When asked what she loves most about the annual program, Children's Librarian Grace Hawkins said, "There's so many things I love about it. It's really exciting to see all the children's hard work pay off. They've worked so hard over the summer reading and listening to books."

This summer, attendees have had the chance to attend many educational and, at times, wacky events at the library — including visits from magician Terry Hedges and Carroll County Mayor Joseph Butler and interactive programs by beekeeper Lisa Costello and Natchez Trace Park Ranger Jeffrey Johnson.

Katie Nance and her children, Robin, Harley and Dante, attended all but two events during this year's program. This was their second year attending the program.

Katie said the summer reading program has been a great way to get her children, who are homeschooled, to engage in activities with other kids near their age.

Robin said her favorite event this summer has been the library's fossil dig, which was held last Tuesday. Dante's favorite event was Runaway Puppet Theater, and Harley's favorite event was the T-Rex Tea Party.

Robin and Harley each read for 36.5 hours this summer, and Dante read for 25 hours. They spent their reading reward cash on candies, lightsabers, squishies and more.

The Carroll County Library is located at 625 High Street, Suite 102, in Huntingdon. It is open to the public Monday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. The library is closed on Sundays.