Over $800 Raised

On August 5th, 18 teens arrived at the Library at 6:30 pm for the first ever Teen Overnight Read-a-thon.  Because our 2016 Teen Reading Club theme was “Get in the Game,” participants raised money to support Special Olympics Pennsylvania by collecting pledges and donations from family and friends.

The evening kicked off with a talk by Special Olympics Ambassador, Jack Crouch.  The Downingtown resident has been a Special Olympian for several years, and he shared how much he’s enjoyed his experiences as an athlete.  He competes in skiing and tennis, and revealed that he qualified as an alternate on the US Ski Team for the International Special Olympics in Austria in 2017.

After a pizza dinner, the teens settled in to read and watch the Opening Ceremonies of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.  Occasional breaks were taken for book selection, cookies, games, ice cream, and coloring.  When the Opening Ceremonies ended, everyone staked out a cozy spot and started reading in earnest.  A whole lot of reading was accomplished, and some of us even got a little sleep!

At 8:30 am, it was time to rise-and-shine – the bagels had arrived!  The group had breakfast with old and new friends, until their parents arrived at 10:00.

More than $800 has already been collected, and donations are still being accepted in the Children’s Room.  Congratulations to librarian, Lisa Urbani, for coordinating this successful event, and thanks to staffers, Amanda Casey, Brianna Sangiamo, and Nathan White for their assistance.