Demopolis library wraps Fizz, Boom, Read with a bang

The Demopolis Public Library closed out its Fizz, Boom, Read summer reading program Monday at the City Landing.

“The theme this year was better than in the past years and I feel like it had a lot to do with the success of this summer. We also had different programs this year,” DPL Children’s Librarian Kelley Tarpley said of the summer reading program. “The teachers at Westside and U.S. Jones also did a fantastic job encouraging their students to use the library this summer, especially first grade teacher Nan Dollar.”

The event saw hot dogs donated by Foster Farms, the musical styling of Drew Tucker, an inflatable slide and a visit from the Demopolis Fire and Rescue Department.

“I was most surprised by the number of parents and children that braved the heat and came to the park (Monday) night to celebrate our summer reading program,” Tarpley said. “Everyone was very positive and complimentary of the program and event despite the heat.”

In all, 184 children read books as part of the program while some 275 participated in the various events that took place throughout the month of June.

“I was surprised by the number of children and teens that registered for the program,” Demopolis Public Library Director Morgan Grimes said. “We had 275! Sandy Dickie would set a goal each day during registration and try to meet that goal. We celebrated when we had reached 275. I was also surprised at how positive the parents and children were and how generous the community was in donating to the program. We had great sponsorship this year.”

Kaderia Williams took home the top prize, reading some 500 books to help her chances in the drawing for a Kindle Fire.

Silas Mason earned a $20 Amazon gift card. Tyler Ward won a Kindle Fire in the teens drawing. Micah Ward won a $20 Amazon gift card while Mary Helen Compton and Marshawn Foster each took home a Parr’s gift card.

The summer reading program launched May 15 with a Roger Day Concert. Other events throughout the summer have seen programs conducted by the University of Alabama Natural History Museum, the 4H Center, the Demopolis Middle School Robotics Team, the McWane Science Center and others.

“Last summer Amanda Barnes with the Demopolis City School Foundation helped us put together an advisory committee that consisted of a library board member, parents, teachers and librarians. It was extremely helpful to have their input and ideas when we started planning for this year’s program,” Grimes said. “Alabama Power donated funds for Roger Day’s concert and Mr. Clark at U.S. Jones allowed the library to come into the school, have Roger Day perform and promote our summer reading program. I think having a captive audience to promote our program helped.

The children’s summer reading program helped the Demopolis Public Library check out 6,212 books to young people while the adult summer reading program helped the DPL loan out 9,435 books.

“I’m just impressed with the staff at the library. They all worked extremely hard and worked as a team to make this year’s program successful. No matter how busy we were, everyone was positive and remained excited about how much the library was being used,” Grimes said. “I think we all feel fortunate to work in a great library that is supported by the community. With the rise in popularity of eBooks and as libraries across the country struggle to stay relevant, it’s reassuring to know that our community still supports and uses our library!”

The Demopolis Public Library thanks its Fizz, Boom, Read sponsors, which include Cemex, Parr’s Chevron, Friends of the Demopolis Public Library, Jack’s, Demopolis Fire Department, McDonald’s, Foster Farms, Vowell’s Fresh Market, Alabama, Nan Dollar, Brandon Smith and Drew Tucker.