Library's summer program rewards youngsters for reading

The Cape Girardeau Public Library's summer reading program held its grand-prize award drawing Aug. 1. Children from infant to 12 years who had read or been read to for a minimum of six hours, and were enrolled in the Cape Girardeau summer reading program, were eligible to enter the drawing to win a bike. Those who read an additional three hours were eligible for another chance in the drawing.

The drawing took place on Fantastic Friday, Aug. 1. Providing entertainment at the event, singing storyteller Anthony Clark drew a total of four names; a girl and boy in the older division and a girl and boy in the younger division. Altogether there were 385 entries.

The girl and boy selected in the older division drawing happened to be brother and sister, Allison and Tim Heinsman. Their mother, Mary Ann Heinsman, said, "When my husband called and left a message that both kids had won bikes I thought he was joking." When Heinsman discovered both bikes were 26 inches she was told they could be exchanged for better fitting bikes if she wished. "Allison's bike was just fine and Tim loves his so much he wants to keep it until he grows into it."

Winners in the younger division included 2-year-old Carly Pujol and 5-year-old Lydia Taylor.

Bikes were furnished by VFW Post 3838 and United Commercial Travelers Council 534.