Staff writer
Reading programs at Hillsboro Public Library are not limited to younger children.
Tenth graders Grace Major and Cheyenne Bernhardt are two participants in a reading group for middle and high school students. Both have participated since they could remember.
“It’s just another way to get me motivated to continue reading,” Grace said.
“I like reading,” Cheyenne added. “It helps me read more over the summer.”
The program can help get kids off the couch.
“I think it’s a good way to do something other than just watch TV all summer long,” Grace said. “I’m not an outside kind of person, but I can read a book outside. It’s a good way to get your mind going over the summer.”
For Cheyenne, who participates in volleyball, basketball, and softball, reading helps her wind down after a busy day.
“I’m doing sports every night,” she said, “so when I come home, it’s a good way to relax.”
Library director Cathy Fish said that the program had different themes each week. Among the themes are fishing, chocolate Olympics, and board games.
The program does not limit what kids can read.
“There’s no reading guidelines,” Fish said, “just have some enthusiasm for reading and know that the library is more than books. We do have board games to play and trivia contests.”