Carrollton Native Wins Summer Reading Grand Prize

(West Georgia) — Mildred Brady is this year’s West Georgia Regional Library Adult Summer Reading winner! The Carrollton native received her prize package from WGRL Assistant Director Martha Goodson.

Brady is a regular library patron, and she was thrilled to have won. “I never win anything” she remarked to one library staff member. The prize package included everything someone would need for a night out on the town including gift cards for new clothes, restaurants, coffee, movies, and more.

Over 9,230 people in Carroll, Douglas, Haralson, Heard, and Paulding counties signed up for summer reading in 2014. This is a system-wide record, breaking last year’s total by more than 800 participants.

“We’re very pleased with the support we’ve received from the community,” said WGRL Director Roni Tewksbury. “We were able to have 500 programs throughout the region this summer to encourage a love of reading and science for people of all ages.”

WGRL Assistant Director Martha Goodson (left) giving the grand prize to Mildred Brady (right) at the Neva Lomason Memorial Library in Carrollton, GA.

This year’s summer reading themes focused around science and STEM education. Children and adults were encouraged to expand their horizons through the “Fizz, Boom, Read!” children’s program, the “Spark a Reaction!” teen program, and the “Literary Elements” adult program.

Libraries have always been known for engaging children of all ages in learning. Now there are more opportunities for adults to get involved. Now in its second year, the adult summer reading program challenges area residents to use the library all summer long.

Each participant was given a punch card. Patrons received punches for reading or listening to a book, attending a program, or contributing a review to the “Literary Elements” review blog. After a person completed a task, they had their punch cards punched. When they got six punches, they were entered for the drawing.

In addition, many of the local libraries throughout the West Georgia Regional system gave prizes for all ages for participating in summer reading. “We’re excited with the opportunity to keep the library involved in the community year-round. Summer reading is always the highlight of the year, and we’re very pleased with the way our adult services keep expanding,” said Tewksbury.

For more information on what your local library offers or how to sign-up for a library card, visit your local branch or visit www.wgrl.net.