The top six readers in the North Webster Library Children’s Summer Reading Club from left are Kendel Josey, Chance Woolums, Gracyn Moore, Eivynn Woolums, Kyler Polston and Alaina McDonald.

NORTH WEBSTER — The stats are in from this summer’s youth Summer Reading Program at the North Webster Community Public Library. The 412 children and teens registered in the summer reading program read a whopping total of 8,120 hours. This has been the most successful reading summer ever with a 53 percent increase in reading hours over last year. Studies show that youngsters who read throughout the summer are better equipped to start school in the fall, so these kids should start the school year well prepared.

Top readers in the children’s reading club were Kendel Josey with 125 hours and Gracyn Moore, Chance Woolums, Alaina McDonald, Kyler Polston and Eivynn Woolums all reading 90 hours. The top teen readers were Shayleen Crites and Iyzayah Ellenberger both reading 340 hours, Keterah Ellenberger with 300 hours, Nouah Ellenberger with 285 hours, Laurana Perry with 250 hours and Isabella Umanzor with 210 hours.

The library offers Lapsit Story Time to its youngest patrons. It is a time for parents and their babies to explore the joy of books together. Registration starts at 11 a.m. Aug. 16 for Lapsit Story Time. It will be held every Tuesday throughout September. During each 30-minute session, parents and their babies will experience fun with stories in many formats, sing simple songs with hand motions, look at board books and engage in meaningful play. Parents will also receive information and resources for early literacy development. Parents can sign up at the youth services desk or by calling (574) 834-7122 ext. 202.

Gene Stratton Porter (1887-1924) was one of Indiana’s most widely read authors. Join the library on a tour of her historical home on Sylvan Lake in Rome City. Anyone interested in the tour can meet in the library parking lot at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, and carpool to the 155-acre historical site that features shoreline, fields, woods and formal gardens. Born in Wabash County, Porter authored more than 20 novel and natural history books. She was also a naturalist, photographer and one of the first women to form a movie studio and production company. Advance registration is required to join the tour. Cost is $7 per adult, $6 for seniors age 60 and older and $4 for youth under 18. Sign up at the circulation desk or call (574) 834-7122.

Aspiring writers are invited to join Writer’s Corner 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 15, when the group will share disjointed word stories that each has written. Meeting the third Monday each month, Writer’s Corner assigns a different writing assignment each month to encourage and develop participants’ writing skills. Later that day at 5:30 p.m., READ Book Club meets to discuss The Amish Midwife by Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould. Whether you have had a chance to read the book or not, join the discussion and pick up a copy of next month’s book Air Raid Nights and Radio Days by Don Schroeder.

Pick up the beat for a fun time of dancing for fitness at “Let’s Move” at 6 p.m. every Thursday. It’s free with no registration needed.