Lisle Library to host turtle races

Who has the fastest turtle in town?

Find out when Lisle Library sponsors a "Throwback Turtle Race" at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, as part of its 50th anniversary celebration.

Those interested in racing their own pet turtles must complete an application and return it to the library's Youth Services Desk by Saturday, July 25, at 777 Front St.

The Lisle Library Turtle Races were started in 1986 by former youth services librarian Lynn Tarantino, who thought the library's two pet turtles should race against others.

With support from Irv Goldstein and the Friends of the Lisle Library, the annual turtle races continued into the mid-1990s.

"We thought our 50th anniversary was a great time to revive a library tradition," said Will Savage, director of youth services. "Back in its heyday, the turtle races used to attract 25 to 30 turtle competitors and a crowd of more than 100 spectators. This is the perfect year to bring back an event that so many people in our community enjoyed."

Applications to compete in this year's turtle race, which will be held in conjunction with the library's "Summer Read Wrap-Up Party," can be picked up at the Youth Services Desk or downloaded from lislelibrary.org.