Thanks to a recent donation made by Pilgrim’s to the tune of $3,250, the Russellville Public Library summer reading program is fully funded for this year.

It’s a move Russellville Pilgrim’s complex manager Jamie Young said is easy to endorse.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to support the summer reading program at the Russellville Public Library,” explained Young.  “Anytime we can donate funds to help the kids in the community, we are on board.”

Library director Joshlyn Bowen said it’s the first instance she knows of where the program has been fully funded.

“It’s a complete sponsorship. I’m so excited about what this means for the programs we can provide to the children in this community,” explained Bowen. “We’re going to be able to offer a lot of opportunities for learning while also having a lot of fun.”

Summer reading program registration began May 10 and will run through May 31. Registration can be done in person during regular hours of operation for ages 3-17. Registration is also available online through the link provided on the Russellville Public Library’s Facebook page.

“We applaud Pilgrim’s for all the contributions they have made to make Russellville a better city,” said Russellville City Councilman Darren Woodruff.

As part of the program, each registered child will receive a reading log with weekly goals to work toward. “We will be giving away small prizes to each child who hits their weekly goal,” added Bowen.

“We are estimating registering 60 children this year and hope it will be even more than that. The program will run for eight weeks, beginning June 3 and running through July 29.”

Bowen said a great entertainment line-up is in place, including:

• Steve Trash performing a magic show – June 3
• McWane Science Center visit – July 22
• Pool party at Russellville City Pool – July 29

Programs will be held each Friday at 2 p.m. at the Russellville Public Library. The list of program events, as well as day, time and location, will be provided on the RPL’s Facebook page as well as given to the children June 3 in their kick–off goody bags, which will be passed out at the first event.

“We can’t wait to get started,” said Bowen. “It’s going to be a wonderful summer. There’s a lot to look forward to this year.”