Palatine Library patrons read more than 5,000 books

Congratulations to the participants in the Palatine Library Winter Reading Challenge for reading more than 5,000 books.

For the second year in a row, participating in the reading program became an opportunity to help the community. Palatine Bank & Trust, and Warehouse Direct partnered with the library to each donate $1,000 to JOURNEYS | The Road Home if 5,000 books were read by the end of the program. Library patrons' response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic; the goal was met by Jan. 25, with a final count of 7,014 - surpassing last year's 6,097 books read.

Anthony Auston, Palatine Library director, with Palatine Bank & Trust Branch Manager Bridget Witt and Warehouse Direct Sales Manager Neil Bruns, presented the donation check to, Suzanne Ploger, director of development for JOURNEYS | The Road Home, on Tuesday, Jan. 31.

"Thank you to Palatine Bank & Trust and Warehouse Direct, and all Winter Reading participants, for helping JOURNEYS continue to provide shelter, social services, and housing to the homeless and those at-risk in suburban Northern/Northwestern Cook County.

"As we continue to experience an increase in the number of individuals coming to us for assistance, now up to an average of 65-80 a day, these generous donations will help to support the programs and supportive services provided at our HOPE Center," said Ploger.

For details, visit www.journeystheroadhome.org.

The Library's Winter Reading Program started Dec. 26 and finished Jan. 31. When readers completed the requirements, they were entered into a grand prize drawing by age category (child, teen, or adult) for a chance to win a gift basket filled with prizes donated by 23 Palatine-area businesses.

"We're grateful for our business sponsors and their partnership with the library. Together, we help to foster a more vibrant community for our residents," said Auston.

Sixteen lucky winners of the Reading Challenge gift baskets will be notified, and their names can be found on our website.

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