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Nesbitt Memorial Library celebrated the end of its summer reading program “Unearth a Story” with a party, Wednesday, Aug. 5, in Columbus.
Readers of all ages competed from May 11 to June 24 to record books read to earn tickets for a chance to win prizes that were handed out at the party. The party also featured snow cones from R&R Shaved Ice, snacks and games.
The program has 354 total sign ups with 118 readers who finished the program, or reaching the reading goal for their age group. Participants read 5,620 books, a 41% increase from 2025, and 202,245 pages, a 114% increase from 2025. Overall, 1,779 attendees participated in the program and its events.
Bookworms (ages 0-4) competed for toys, water activities and more. Fable Heroes (ages 5-12) competed for lego sets, bikes, a Nintendo Switch 2 and more. Book Dragons (ages 12-18) competed for a snack bundle, mini fridge, skin care bundle, Nintendo Switch 2 and more. Page Masters (ages 18+) competed for gift cards, a spa bundle, an Amazon Fire tablet and more.
Leo and Dane Emick munch on snow cones and look over a prize bundle while Della Emick shows off a prize to their mother Jaimie Emick during Nesbitt Memorial Library’s end of summer reading party Aug. 5 in Columbus.
Families and children line up for R&R Shaved Ice during Nesbitt Memorial Library’s end of summer reading party Aug. 5 in Columbus. Courtesy photos
Vallie Klaus (bottom) holds a prize pack for the Dinosaur Park in Bastrop during Nesbitt Memorial Library’s end of summer reading party Aug. 5 in Columbus. She is with her sister Amelia Klaus.
