Children dashed through swirling foam in the Evergreen Park Public Library parking lot Saturday, kicking off a summer of reading with bubbles, baby goats and frozen custard.
The annual Summer Reading Challenge began with a high-energy party complete with a petting zoo, colorful crafts and a performance by the Evergreen Park Community High School Color Guard.
“We hope the event will get people excited about summer reading and ready to participate in all the fun the Library has planned this summer,” said Evergreen Park Library Director Frank Murray.
Amanda Gaston, programming and outreach librarian, said the event was designed to show families that reading can be fun, social and full of imagination.
“This year’s theme is ‘Reading Colors Our World,’ and we wanted the kickoff to be just as vibrant,” Gaston said.
Instead of hosting the celebration inside, organizers turned the library’s entire parking lot into a playground. There was no live band, but upbeat music blasted over speakers as kids waded through a rainbow-hued foam party zone. Nearby, toddlers fed goats while older readers signed up for reading logs under a tent.
“This event is unique because we take the fun outside,” Gaston said. “We want people to see the library as more than a quiet space. It’s a place to build memories.”
Gaston said the library hopes to surpass last year’s participation total of about 900 readers.
“We’d love to break 1,000 this year,” she said. “Anyone can join, and it’s open to all ages.”
Culver’s of Evergreen Park donated frozen custard to the crowd, handing out free scoops while supplies lasted.
The goal of the Summer Reading Challenge is to keep readers of all ages engaged with books during the school break. Participants can track their reading progress and join weekly events throughout June and July.
“Evergreen Park Public Library is dedicated to fostering a love of reading and community engagement,” Gaston said. “This kickoff is just the beginning.”
The library will continue to offer programming tied to the summer reading theme, including art projects, author visits and interactive storytimes. Reading logs and challenge registration are available online or in person at the library.
