Glen Ellyn Public Library partners with SCARCE for summer reading

For the past five years, the Glen Ellyn Public Library has tied the Summer Reading program to a philanthropic cause - embracing the volunteer spirit of the community - and challenging members to not just read, but to read for a benevolent purpose.

And this summer is no different, as the library partners with SCARCE, an award-winning nonprofit that provides environmental education through hands-on programs to schools, organizations, and the community.

This year, the library challenges kids to read for 70,000 hours and adults to read 4,000 books.

"Glen Ellyn is a community of readers," said Dawn Bussey, library director. "Members know that their reading - something they already love to do - could also make a difference in their community. It creates a buzz in the community, as people want to know what cause they will read for this summer."

If the community reaches this goal, the Friends of the Glen Ellyn Public Library and the Glen Ellyn Library Foundation have each pledged funds to purchase 2,000 books, which SCARCE will distribute during the DuPage County Back to School Fair in August.

Members can register for Pre-reader, Youth, Middle School, High School, Adult, or new this year, the Independent Summer Reading program.

This program makes Glen Ellyn Public Library's Summer Reading program more accessible to members of the community best served by differentiated learning. The Independent category has no age restriction.

Exciting prizes are available, from passes to the Brookfield Zoo "Amazing Arachnids" exhibit, to coupons for The Bookstore of Glen Ellyn donated by the Glen Ellyn Rotary Club. Learn more about the Glen Ellyn Public Library's Summer Reading programs by visiting "GEPL Reads for SCARCE" at gepl.org/events/gepl-reads.

Throughout the summer, a variety of rain barrels will be on display at the library with information on where to purchase. And many library programs will focus on the concepts of "Think Global, Act Local" and "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle."

Sign up now for these summer programs:

• "From Trash to Crafts" for third to fifth grade will be offered from 3 to 4 p.m. Thursday, June 21. Recycle discarded household items into a bird feeder, piggy bank, or lantern.

• "N-41: Family Bingo Night" will be 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 28. Bring the whole family to an environmentally-themed Bingo night. Make connections between everyday items and the natural resource used to make it.

• "Raindrops on Roses" for first to fifth grade will be offered from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 13. Learn about a very important natural resource - water! Make a rain gauge to take home and use to determine when to water your lawn or garden.

• "Storm Drain Medallions: An Environmental Project for Teens" will be offered from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 14. High school teens can learn the impact you have on your local watersheds and tips you can implement to become a better steward of the environment. Take action by applying medallions on nearby storm drains to help further educate residents on the importance of preventing pollution.