Palatine library reading challenge earn $1,000 for nonprofit

Congratulations to the participants in the Palatine Library Winter Reading Challenge for reading more than 3,500 books.

New this winter, participating in the reading program became an opportunity to help the community. Palatine Bank & Trust partnered with the library to donate $1,000 to Partners for Our Communities if 3,500 books were read by the end of the program.

That goal was met by Jan. 16, with a final count of 6,964 - nearly doubling the number of books needed.

Anthony Auston, Palatine Library director, with Palatine Bank & Trust Branch Manager Bridget Witt, presented the donation check to Kathy Millin, executive director of Partners for Our Communities, Feb. 2.

"Thank you to Palatine Bank & Trust and all Winter Reading participants for helping the POC fulfill our mission of building a community of empowered people, healthy families and vibrant neighborhoods. This donation will support technology needed in our after school programs for children," said Millin.

The POC is a nonprofit community agency based in Palatine and dedicated to helping people help themselves through a variety of programs and services, including education, health and wellness, advocacy, social services and more. For information, visit www.POC.news.

The library's Winter Reading Program started Dec. 21 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 27 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.

Eight lucky winners of the Reading Challenge gift baskets were notified, and their names can be found on the library's website.

• Submit 'Your News' at www.dailyherald.com/share.