The Boyne Regional Library’s Summer Reading Program wrapped up Aug. 27 with a prize draw and a strong turnout from local youth, marking one of its best years yet.
Student staff member Scarlett Friesen, who coordinated the 2025 program, said it was encouraging to see so many young readers join in.
“We had 572 kids register this year, which made it our third highest year ever,” said Friesen. “It was wonderful to see so many children excited about reading and exploring new books outside of school.”
The program, open to children from kindergarten through Grade 12, launched July 2 under the theme Read for the Stars. Participants earned ballots for prize draws by completing weekly challenges, such as reading a book by a Canadian author or choosing a biography.
“The goal of the Summer Reading Program is to inspire a love of independent reading,” Friesen said. “The challenges gave kids a reason to step outside their comfort zone and try new genres.”
Ten grand prizes, sponsored by Access Credit Union, were drawn on Aug. 27 by Tanis from Access Credit Union. The prizes included a telescope, Lego, a space tent, a hotel stay, lawn games, crafts, family activities, items for teens, a metal detector, a speaker and, of course, books.
The winners are as follows:
• Galactic Gazer Prize – Jase V.
• Mission: Family Fun – Avery W.
• Space Station Sleepover – Scarlett V.
• Cosmic Treasure Tracker – Wrenley S.
• Cosmic Vibes Kit – Deacon M.
• Lunar Adventure Kit – Daniel V.
• Build-A-Galaxy – Blake W.
• Nebula Maker Studio – Avery C.
• Magic of the Milky Way – Emily M.
The results were also posted on the library’s social media pages and website.The library also thanked several local businesses for contributing to the program, including The Blue Crescent Hotel, Carman Home Hardware, Carman Pharmacy, Evensong Shoppe, Greenland Equipment, Peace Lily Therapeutics, The Price is Rite, Syl’s Drive Inn and Whitehots.
While the summer program has ended, the library continues to offer events throughout the year. A raffle fundraiser is underway, with prizes such as a propane fire bowl, $75 Hilltop Meats gift card, wine decanter, iron cooker and cheese knives. Tickets are $5 and the draw will take place Oct. 9 at 10:30 a.m.
In addition, Manitoba author Rosalie I. Tennison will visit the library Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. to share from her memoir Naomi’s Houses, which chronicles her mother’s struggle to raise her children amid the crushing poverty of post-war rural Manitoba. Through hardship, resilience, and love, Tennison paints a vivid portrait of prairie life, family turmoil, and a mother’s unwavering determination to provide a better future.
“We’re excited to keep growing our programs and events,” said Friesen. “It’s all about creating opportunities for people of all ages to connect with reading and with the library.”
