The “Dream Big Read” and “Own the Night” Summer Reading Programs have come to an end and children and teens enjoyed more than 70 programs from June through the first week of August.

Morea than 1,800 people attended the “Dream Big Read” programs hosted throughout the county, and 75 people attended the “Own the Night” programs hosted in Lumberton.

Congratulations to the following winners of the Summer Reading Short Story Contests: Henry Colbert of Maxton in the first – through second-grade contest; Chelsea Burnette of Lumberton in the third- through fifth-grade contest; and Brianna Ladson of Fairmont in the sixth- through 12th-grade contest.

All winners received an award certificate, composition books or journals, pencils or pens to help them write their next great story. Ladson also received an 8 GB flash drive to help keep her writing files close at hand. Thank you to everyone who submitted a short story. They were all excellent.

Children and teens who completed their reading logs were invited to an awards ceremony on Aug. 2 at the Osterneck Auditorium. Youths and their families gathered together for an evening to celebrate their reading achievements. Youths who reached their reading goals were rewarded with a prize bag containing a mixture of “Dream Big Read” or “Own the Night” themed buttons, painting sheets, newspapers, magnetic frames, temporary tattoos, pencils, library card holders, bookmarks, comic books, toys, keychains, glow-in-the-dark glasses and water bottles.

The bags also contained food and skating coupons. Youths who attended the ceremony also enjoyed prize raffles for several items including books like “The Hunger Games” and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever,” T-shirts, vampire teeth, glow-in-the-dark key chains, food coupons, and extra water bottles and glasses. Before leaving the ceremony, youths visited a free book table and made selections to take home.

I would like to especially thank the following library staff members for their exceptional contributions to the Summer Reading Programs: Lisa Matthews for hosting craft programs, judging the first- through second-grade short story contest, and assisting with programs; Scarlett Smith and Faye Caulder for decorations and craft preparation; Tony Hargett and Gina Locklear for judging the third- through fifth-grade short story contest; Tony Hargett for always helping me move equipment and tables; Catie Roche for judging the teen short story contest; Scarlett Smith and Kelly Mecifi for assisting with the zombie walk; Mattie Locklear for rallying prize sponsors; and Caroline Locklear for assisting with the Pembroke programs.

Thank you to the many library staff members who registered children throughout the summer. Summer Reading Programs take many hands and willing hearts to be successful and I greatly appreciate the support I received from my co-workers.

Beginning the first week in September, story times will be held on the following days: Mondays in Pembroke at 10 a.m.; Tuesdays in St. Pauls at 11 a.m. and Red Springs at 4 p.m.; Wednesdays in Maxton at 11 a.m.; Thursdays in Fairmont at the Fairmont-South Robeson Heritage Center at 10 a.m. and Rowland at 11 a.m.; and Fridays in Lumberton at 10 a.m.

Enjoy outdoor games and ice cream in the library’s garden on the last Friday afternoon before school starts at the Summer Fun Day! The Summer Fun Day will be on Friday at 2 p.m. for children ages 3 and older.

Teens are invited to watch “The Hunger Games” movie on Sept. 13 at 4 p.m. in the Osterneck Auditorium. Sixth- through 12th-graders are welcome to attend.

Children may enjoy watching Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax” movie on Sept. 14 at 4 p.m. in the Osterneck Auditorium.

Copies of the September calendar of children and teen events will be available to pick up at all libraries this week.

Katie Huneycutt is the youth services librarian of Robeson County Public Library. You may reach her at khuneycutt@robesoncountylibrary.org or at 910-738-4859.