Nearly 700 readers of various ages participated in the summer reading programs sponsored by the Perry Public Library this year.
The readers — divided into three age categories — celebrated the end of their respective seasons this week with a variety of final events, all of which included drawings for various prizes.
Led by Suzanne Kestel, the youth group had over 450 children sign up at various times. Several dozen of those youngsters brought their parents along to attend a pool party at the McCreary Community Building Tuesday evening.
Misty VonBehren’s teen group numbered 87 readers, of whom many were on hand for a pizza party at the library’s large meeting room Wednesday afternoon.
The celebrations were capped Thursday evening when the adult group — which numbered approximately 130 members — met at the Iowa Fire Museum and Fire Prevention Education Center.
After a short history of the Perry Volunteer Fire Department provided by PVFD Assistant Chief Brian Eiteman and a discussion of various pieces of equipment on hand, the group headed next door to Firehouse Ice Cream for sundaes and a prize drawing.
Marlene Johnson and library director Mary Murphy served as leaders for the adult program.
For more information on the Perry Public Library and their offerings, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us.