Glen Ellyn reading program for a cause

For the past five years, the Glen Ellyn Public Library has tied its 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.

This summer is no different, as the library partners with SCARCE, an award-winning nonprofit group 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," library Director Dawn Bussey said. "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 its goal, the Friends of the Glen Ellyn Public Library and the Glen Ellyn Library Foundation each have pledged money to buy 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.

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.