The Lake Region Public Library has been selected as a recipient of funding from the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) for the 2024 Summer Reading Grant Program.
Summer learning loss, commonly referred to as the “Summer Slide,” is the phenomenon through which a student loses achievement gains (most notably in reading and math) made during the school year.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the already-existing problem with summer learning loss. As a result, NDDPI- in alignment with their mission and vision – has dedicated resources to provide North Dakota students with increased summer literacy opportunities. Libraries in North Dakota who were able to successfully provide proof of a successful summer reading program were eligible for funding through this initiative.
The Lake Region Public Library presented the 2024 Summer Reading Program “Adventure Begins at Your Library” for students going into grades 1-12 in June and July of this year. With 209 students registered and 105 reading logs returned, 30 programs over six weeks with 805 attendees, this was one of the busiest summers the library has seen in several years.
As a result, NDDPI awarded the Lake Region Public Library a total of $20,000. “We are incredibly honored and excited to have received this amazing sum from NDDPI,” says Maddie Cummings, Library Director. “We have always been proud of our summer reading programs, but to have our hard work and passion rewarded with a meaningful amount of money for our small library is so validating. I personally want to thank LaVae Haaland, Samantha Bischof, and Cambree Blegen – all three of these ladies were part-time staff members who consistently went above and beyond this summer to bring quality programming to the students of our area. This would not have happened without them!”
The Lake Region Public Library plans to use this grant to purchase furniture for the newly added teen area in the southeast corner of the library, revamp the Children’s Library, and acquire STEAM materials and technology for students to use in the library.
Highlighted Events Coming Up at the Lake Region Public Library
Thursday, September 12 @ 11:00 a.m. – Preschool Storytime!
Preschool Storytime is back now that school has started! Join us every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. and Thursday at 11:00 a.m. for stories, games, crafts, and more. This week’s theme is “Orange is a Carrot, Yellow is…” Monday, September 16 @ 5:00 p.m. – Resin Bookmarks!
Our monthly adult craft for September will be to create your own bookmark out of resin epoxy and glitter, flowers, miniature book covers, and whatever else you can think of! Materials provided on a first come, first served basis. Doors will open to the Community Room at 4:50 p.m. on Monday, September 16 for this 5:00 p.m. program.
Friday, September 20 @ 6:00 p.m. – Chinese Calligraphy with Jojo Liu! The Lake Region Public Library is thrilled to virtually host Jojo Liu to teach a free Chinese Calligraphy class to celebrate MidAutumn Festival! All experience levels are welcome. Supplies will be provided, first come first served.
See you at the library! Visit devilslakendlibrary.libcal.com for a full calendar of events!
If you have questions about this award, please contact Library Director Maddie Cummings at lakeregionpl@gmail.com or by calling the library at 701-662-2220.
