Decatur Library: 30 Volunteers Power Kids' Summer Reading

Every summer, something magical happens at the Decatur Public Library: volunteers who love books turn reading into an adventure for hundreds of children.

Last summer alone, 1,500 kids signed up for the library's summer reading challenge. They earned prizes for reading or listening to books, but the real reward was keeping their skills sharp during vacation.

"We have been using volunteers for our summer reading program here at the library for at least 30 years," said John Schirle, the children's library assistant. Many volunteers are retired or active teachers, while others are parents whose kids grew up in the program.

The volunteers check kids in when they arrive, hand out weekly prizes, help with crafts and art activities, and lead story time. Most importantly, they marvel over what kids are reading and want to talk about, which encourages even more reading.

Jill Hubbard, a math curriculum coordinator for Decatur Public Schools, knows how critical summer reading is for keeping skills sharp. "Our library is probably one of our biggest assets in our community," she said.

The Ripple Effect

The program creates joy that extends far beyond individual reading logs. One pair of siblings recently discovered Beatrix Potter books, delighting volunteer Hubbard because those stories are "old school."

Retired educator Roberta Williams, who serves as an American "grandma" for children of an international teacher from Kenya, understands the lasting impact. "The sooner you start getting kids interested in books, the sooner you start reading to them and with them, the more successful they will be," she said.

Jennifer Raleigh, a speech therapist in Decatur schools who volunteers at the library, has fond memories of summer reading programs from her own childhood. She brought her children when they were young and now sees many of her students participating.

Kids can read books themselves or listen as parents read to them. Both count equally. They can keep a physical log or use the library app to track their progress, earning rewards every five days through August 8.

The volunteers say once kids visit the library one time, they can't wait to come back. The staff and volunteers show them how much fun books can be, proving reading isn't just something you do for school.