HILDALE, Utah — The Hildale Branch of the Washington County Library System is in full summer swing, and the numbers tell the story: 295 local residents have signed up for this year’s reading program, collectively logging nearly 70,000 minutes of reading since the program launched May 26.
The annual Summer Reading Program runs through July 25 and is open to anyone from infants to seniors — no library card required to register. This year’s theme, “Unearth a Story,” centers on history, gardening, paleontology and archaeology, reflected in the branch’s dinosaur-themed decorations and photo opportunities now on display. The library is also showcasing book art submissions from local young artists created in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
Participants who log just three hours of reading per week can earn weekly prizes including toys, books, and food vouchers, with entries into drawings for larger prizes such as gift cards, LEGO sets, and tickets to Tuacahn Center for the Arts. More than 30 Washington County businesses have sponsored this year’s program, including Red Brick Take and Bake Pizza, Arctic Circle, Subway, and Common Grounds Thrift Store.
The Hildale Branch’s participation is part of a county-wide effort spanning all eight Washington County Library branches. Across the system, more than 4,000 residents have logged over 1.1 million minutes of reading this summer.
Beyond the reading program itself, the branch has a packed event calendar. Weekly children’s storytimes take place every Wednesday at 11 a.m., where families can also pick up free meal kits distributed by the Utah Food Bank and Cherish Families. Upcoming highlights in July include visits from the Dinosaur Discovery Site and Southern Utah University’s Animal Ambassadors, as well as free paint nights for teens and adults with all materials provided.
The library is also bringing back its popular Read Down Your Fines program in July. Children can earn $1.00 in fine waivers for every 15 minutes of in-library reading, offering families a path to clear overdue balances that may be keeping them from using their cards.
Registration for the summer program is available online at washcolibrary.readsquared.com or in person at the branch. For the full event calendar, visit the Hildale Branch Library Washington County Library System page on Facebook.
