Though the Jake Epp Library’s Summer Reading Program has been growing for years, it seems to have finally plateaued.

As Program Director Madison Redekopp explains, a library’s popularity statistically increases for five to seven years after a big renovation before once again leveling out.

“Our library expanded in 2012,” notes Redekopp. “It’s 2019 now and we’ve hit this plateau between 600 and 700 kids.”

This summer, 627 kids are involved in the program which is slightly less than last year and slightly more than the year before. While Redekopp acknowledges that this data can be interesting, she says it is not the focus. To her, the important thing is that hundreds of local kids are still activating their minds by picking up books.

“The fact that they are dedicated to improving their own reading is such a good thing because it will help them in September,” stresses Redekopp, “even last year we had had teachers who said their classes were doing so much better because 80 percent of the students took part in the summer reading club.”

As the summer continues, Redekopp looks forward to signing out more and more piles of books as young readers keep taking charge of their own education.