Glen Ellyn Library kicks off 'Read for Heroes' summer program

The Glen Ellyn Public Library is challenging the community to help provide for the future of the Glen Ellyn Police Department and the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Department by signing up for the 2015 summer reading program, "Read for Heroes."

This is the third year the library has tied summer reading to a philanthropic cause.

"Four years ago, we embraced the volunteer spirit of our community, brainstorming how we might tap into this strong philanthropic desire and incorporate it into our services at the library," said Dawn Bussey, director of the Glen Ellyn Public Library. "We developed the idea of challenging the community to read for a goal during our annual summer reading program."

"Read for Heroes" runs through Aug. 10. Community members can sign up by stopping by the library at 400 Duane St. or online at gepl.org/read-for-heroes.

The library is asking adults to read 4,500 books collectively and kids to read for a total of 70,000 hours over the course of the summer.

"Once the goal is reached, a monetary donation would be made to an organization for a particular purpose," Bussey said.

This year, the Friends of the Glen Ellyn Public Library and the Rotary Club of Glen Ellyn each have agreed to donate money toward the recruitment of future volunteer firefighters and the police department's Madden Scholarship Fund.

For the fire department, the single biggest factor in its continued success is the ability to attract, recruit and successfully train new members. Meanwhile, the police department's Madden Scholarship Fund honors late Sgt. Robert Madden and is awarded to seniors from Glenbard West and Glenbard South high schools headed to college who wish to pursue a career in a law enforcement-related field.

In addition to working toward a worthy cause, the library also is offering registration and participation prizes. Tweens who complete the goal of reading for 20 hours and teens who complete two books are eligible to participate in a tug-of-war against volunteer firefighters from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16.

To start the celebration, the library invites the community to the Read for Heroes Ice Cream Social from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, June 8, when guests can enjoy an ice cream sundae, an ice pop, or some fresh fruit. The Rock 'N' Rope Warrior, a Guinness World Record holder, will dazzle kids by performing rope jumping tricks at 7:15 p.m. Those who come dressed as their favorite hero have a chance to win a special prize.

Throughout the summer, the library is offering a host of programs celebrating heroes in their many forms. Here is what is on tap for June:

• Thank Your Heroes, 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday to Thursday, June 9 to 11. Make a special card with provided supplies to say "thank you." For ages 2 to 8.

• Disaster Relief Dogs - Bringing Comfort to Those in Need from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Saturday, June 13. Learn how Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry uses golden retrievers to make a difference in people's lives.

• Drawing Superheroes for kids entering grades one through four from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18. Discover how to draw superheroes with art teacher Christine Thornton.

• Drawing Superheroes for kids entering grades five through eight from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18. Gain the skills needed to draw superheroes in a hands-on drawing class.

• Superhero Training Camp from 3 to 4 p.m. Friday, June 19. Run through an obstacle course, create a superhero cape and capture the villain in an action-packed superhero boot camp. For ages 4 to 7.

• STEAM - The Science of Superheroes from 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 23. Explore the science behind the powers of superheroes. For kids entering grades three to five.

• Marvel vs DC: Comic Book Nerf War from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 26. Choose your side - DC Comics or Marvel Comics - and battle it out at the library's superheroes Nerf War. For students entering grades six through 12.

• Captain Cat Book Party from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Monday, June 29. Read "Captain Cat" by Syd Hoff. Afterward, write letters, draw pictures and help assemble care packages for deployed soldiers. For kids entering grades one and two.

If you go

What: Read for Heroes Ice Cream Social

When: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, June 8

Where: Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane St., Glen Ellyn

Cost: Free

Info: gepl.org/read-for-heroes