It was the summer of ’24 — we’re speaking of 1924 — when librarian Frances Holbrook hatched an idea to keep children’s minds engaged over summer vacation.
A century later, the Park Ridge Public Library is celebrating 100 Years of Summer Reading, thanks to Ms. Holbrook’s timeless foresight.
“We invite the Park Ridge community to join us for this special 100th anniversary year of Summer Reading,” said Library Director Joanna Bertucci. “We are grateful to former Head Librarian Frances Holbrook who initiated this program to inspire kids to read over the summer. The idea that one hundred years later it draws more than 1,800 children, adults and teens to participate demonstrates that Park Ridge is a city of readers.”
The Summer Reading Club for children began the summer of 1924 and was originally called the Vacation Reading Club, according to the library. Later, during World War II, the club was renamed the Victory Reading Club.
In this photo from 2023, families listen to the band “Patti’s Preference” at the Park Ridge Public Library’s Summer Reading Club kickoff event, “Live on the Lawn.”
It’s not just for children anymore. Adults and teens can track their reading and win prizes as well. Children can even refer an adult and earn a chance at a prize drawing for doing so.
Readers can register and track their reading at parkridgelibrary.org.
The fun will culminate on Saturday, Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon with live music, ice cream from Triple Scoop’d and fun and games on the library lawn.