sevier county public library system summer reading program

Sevier County: As the summer heat rages on, the Sevier County Public Library System state-sponsored, Rompin' Stompin' Reading Roundup Summer Reading Program ends in a blaze of special programs and reading tons of books. This year the children of Sevier County were treated to eighteen exciting programs, nine each at the Sevier County Main Library, the Seymour Branch and the Kodak Branch Libraries, to promote reading during the summer months.

       This summer, over 2,300 children, parents and caregivers joined in programs featuring live animals, western clowns, a singing cowboy, a magician and a giant frog among other programs. The sponsors who provided funding to make these programs possible include:

• Wal-Mart
• The Blalock's Companies
• Mountain Home Veterinary Clinic & Dr. David Ratliff
• Dr. Bryan Smith, MD
• W. Ogle & Sons Excavating
• Chiang House Restaurant
• Sevier Farmer's Co-op
• Tennessee State Bank
• Mountain National Bank
• Citizen's National Bank
• Bank East
• BB&T
• Dr. Samuel J. Lyle, D.V.M
• Grooming & Parrot Emporium
• Seymour Breakfast Rotary Club
• Northview/Kodak Optimist Club
• Mr. & Mrs. Robert Buss
• Friends of Seymour Library
• Friends of Kodak Library
• Friends of Sevier County Main Library

       From preschool - 12^th grade, 531 children signed up to participate in the Summer Reading Program. These children read, or were read to, an amazing number of books over the nine-week period - a total of 16,197 books! Sincere thanks is extended to the parents and caregivers of these children who gave their time to make sure their children were involved in this worthwhile program to learn and retain reading skills during summer vacation.

       Western-themed stickers and coupons were incentives for developing a love of reading. The following restaurants were very generous in providing coupons for the children: Pizza Hut; Mr. Gatti's; McDonald's; Shoney's; Chick-fil-A; Cracker Barrel; Texas Roadhouse; Applebee's and The Bakery Lady (Marjie Richardson). Businesses and local attractions also provided incentives: Dollywood; NASCAR Speedpark; Women's Basketball Hall of Fame; Wal-Mart (Seymour); Ripley's Old MacDonald's Mini Golf; Kroger's (Sevierville); and Reel Theatres Movies on the Parkway. 

       Without the support of an interested community, who wish to see the children of Sevier County excel, the results would not be as striking. The Sevier County Public Library System extends a very grateful thank you to everyone who participated - especially to the sponsors who helped to make the Summer Reading Program possible in Sevier County.