The Vermilion Parish Library Summer Reading Program ended successfully and swimmingly July 30, 2010, with a Beach Party for all participants.

This summer’s ending festivities featured music by Blue Merlot, lots of cake and punch, door prizes and fun for all.

Parish-wide, there were 1,203 children, teens and adults registered to participate in the reading program this summer, and the library gave out 670 certificates of completion.

There were nearly 56,000 books checked out over the summer weeks, and hundreds of prizes from our sponsors were handed out to our great summer readers.

Summer events and programming at the library were a big hit, too. Approximately 5,000 adults, teens and children attended more than 30 presentations at our branches. Presentations included a wide range of subjects from art, crafts and storytelling, to musical fun, mime, origami and more.

For the first time this year, selected outstanding Summer Readers received a “Library Champion” yard sign to display as part of their achievement this summer. A huge thanks to our sponsors who made these signs a reality: DETEL, Eastridge Nursing Home, Acadiana Ford and KTC Pace.

The Vermilion Parish Library Summer Reading Program is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by the Acadiana Arts Council.