PRIZES GIVEN IN SUMMER READING PROGRAM

Four participants in the Cape Girardeau Public Library's summer reading program received bicycles.

The winners are Laura Conupp, 13, William Golden, 10, T.J. Tyler, 8, and Ambria Web, 9.

The library enrolled 1,281 children in the summer reading program and the RIF club. These children read a total of 14,475 books. In addition to reading, many of the children attended a variety of activities at the library including games, crafts, story hours and programs. Attendance at the programs totalled 4,500.

"It takes lots of people and lots of generosity to make this program possible," said Elizabeth Ader, director of the Cape Girardeau Public Library.

The bicycles were donated by VFW Post 3838 and its auxiliary, United Commercial Travelers and Kmart.

The Friends of the Cape Girardeau Public Library provide funds to purchase program supplies, promotional materials and gift books given to younger children in the program. Volunteers help with the carnival that kicks off summer reading.

Funds from a YELL/United Way grant provide the gift books for the Young Adult RIF Club. The children in the program receive books for reading a certain number of library books. Participants this year earn 845 gift books.

The total number of gift books earned by all children was 1,350.

"Reading to earn a book which will be your very own is an important part of the program -- a real incentive to read more and more," said Brenda Renner of the library's youth services department.