Wayne Public Library outlines summer reading events, aims to exceed 350 registrants

Jody Wolak, director of the Wayne Public Library, presented the library’s 2025 summer‑reading program to the Wayne City Council on June 3, outlining events, registration details and prizes for children, teens and adults.

Wolak said the program’s kickoff is Saturday, June 7, from noon to 5 p.m. at the library and that staff expect a full calendar of free events for all ages, including story times, weekly children’s activities, teen workshops, family events such as bingo and a finale drum circle on Aug. 2. She emphasized the program’s role in preventing the “summer slide” for children and said it helps build reading habits and skills.

The library will run three separate tracks—children, teens (entering grades 6–12) and adults—with daily reading tracking for younger participants and prizes such as books, novelty pens, a 4‑pack of Wayne Theater tickets donated by local businesses, and shipments of donated grand prizes. Wolak said 350 people registered last year and the library’s goal is to register at least 351 this year despite limited parking while a nearby structure is out of commission. She thanked local sponsors, including Friends of the Wayne Public Library, Rotary Club of Wayne, Wayne Theater, Flowers in the Mitten, Brooks Books and others.

Wolak said sign‑up currently is in person only, though downloadable tracking sheets are available on the library website. She also noted a weekly schedule of events and one‑on‑one computer help by appointment. Councilmembers and residents asked about teen age range (entering sixth through 12th grade) and online sign‑up; Wolak clarified those details during the presentation.