Pictured, from left, are Aubry Biesemeyer, Elise Swain, Tecumseh Dyer and Bentley Arnold Malik.

NORTH WEBSTER — Games, prizes, hot dogs and fun filled the North Webster Community Center gym during the grand finale picnic marking the end of the summer reading program at North Webster Community Public Library. All summer reading participants and their families were invited to a free hot dog picnic in celebration of a successful summer of reading.

A total of 387 children and teens were registered for the summer reading program, reading a combined 5,875 hours. Since studies reveal that youth who read throughout the summer are better prepared to start school in the fall, these kids will have a jump start when Wawasee Schools begin next week.

The top readers in the children’s division were Aubry Biesemeyer, 9; Tecumseh Dyer, 10; and Elise Swain, 8, who each read 85 hours; followed by Bentley Arnold Malik, 6, who logged 75 hours. In the teen division, Kaelynn Swartzlander, 11, clocked 150 hours as the top reader followed by Keturah Ellenberger, 17, with 135 hours; Alyssa Kunish, 11, with 130 hours; and Charlotte Crighton, 13, with 105 hours.

Children who read 30 or more hours were eligible to enter seven different prize drawings. Winners of those drawings were Emerie Walker, Aubry Biesemeyer, Elise Swain, Makayla Reiff, Riker Larson, Emmalyn Weisser and Ella Conley. In the teen division, the drawing winners were Keturah Ellenberger, Alyssa Kunish and Gianna Parrett.

The library staff congratulates all the youth who participated in the summer reading program.

“They’re all winners in our eyes,” said Youth Services Librarian Pam Long.

In the adult services department, registrations are being accepted at the circulation desk for a mixed media workshop at 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26. Artist Golden Seaton will help participants create a nautical lighthouse art piece using repurposed paper and watercolors. Cost of the workshop is $15 and includes all supplies. Advance registration with non-refundable payment is required.

Save the date Sunday, Sept. 8, for the 13th annual North Webster Cemetery Walk sponsored by the library’s local history and genealogy center. Enactors will be stationed throughout the cemetery telling the life stories of individuals buried there. This is a living history event that is free and open to the public.

Pictured, from left, are Kaelynn Swartzlander, Alyssa Kunish, and Keturah Ellenberger. Not pictured is Charlotte Crighton.