Rangely, Stories

Rangely summer reading program a success with 300

Kristen Colemen, a sophomore at Rangely High School and a RHS Student Council member, paints butterflies on Miah Wren’s’ face as a part of the Rangely Library’s summer reading party. Several hundred students and youths took part in the event. RANGELY | As the Rangely Library’s new director in 2005, Amorette Hawkins learned that part of her job was coordinating the summer reading program. August’s end-of-summer party was the culmination of the library’s participation in the Collaborative Summer Library Program, a multi-state effort that provides resources and incentives for readers during the summer months.
That first summer, the party was already arranged, and Hawkins was told to expect a maximum of 50 kids. The celebration went off well, bringing together 38 children who listened to a professional storyteller before taking home books as rewards.
Fast forward nine years to the Aug. 6 summer reading program party, which brought approximately 300 parents and children to the Rangely town square for bingo, cotton candy, horse rides, carnival games, prizes and more.
Some children emerged from the face-painting corner as butterflies or dragons before stopping by the balloon table to pick up an inflated sword or dachshund. Others grabbed a snow-cone before heading off to the ring toss or bottle pitch while waiting to hear their names called for prizes.
Tarrah and Josh Patch’s four girls, Abby, 5, Ella, 7, Norrah, 9, and Audrye, 11, had been looking forward to the reading party for months. Living two blocks away from the library means they end up there most weeks, and they knew the long summer of carefully logging books meant not only that their hard work would be rewarded; like other kids around town, they would be known and welcomed. Face painting, cotton candy, and games were especial favorites.
“This was our third year going, so the anticipation was so much for them,” Tarrah Patch said. “Once it was over, the girls were already looking forward to next year.”
The tradition established years ago, Hawkins said, is the foundation on which she and her staff have built the increasingly larger annual event. While the party is no longer overtly reading-focused, larger prizes—many of them books—go to the pool of attendees who have logged their reading throughout the summer.
That the program exists across several states also allows blended families to participate, even if children live elsewhere during the summer. And the multi-state collaborative effort means that Hawkins and her staff buy their supplies from vendors at discounted rates.
But improving the summer reading program each year, including incentives, rewards and an end-of-summer party that’s completely free to all participants means plenty of work goes into pulling it off.
Hawkins and the library staff begin planning months ahead of time, budgeting costs in the fall and ordering supplies and prizes as early as January. This year, library staff went into the elementary and junior-senior high schools in May to promote the program and sign people up. During the one-day push, 228 participants enrolled.
“I feel like we’ve gotten into our groove and we’d kind of like to stay there,” Hawkins said of the program and party. “Of course, we’re always open to suggestions or to anything anyone wants to contribute, whether it’s ideas for new booths or constructive criticism.”
Last week’s celebration saw its highest tallies ever, and the number of those who joined the “Dig Into Reading” program in May jumped by more than 55 percent above last summer. While 162 of the 552 Rangely participants were readers who joined the program’s first-ever adult component, the final number included approximately 90 more children than last year. Among those were 32 high school participants, a figure substantially higher than the four or five students Hawkins has seen in the past.
While free book bags, notebooks and T-shirts are a draw, many participants are more interested in reading for their own enjoyment or to reach personal goals, Hawkins said.
“A lot of people who signed up, didn’t want anything to do with the prizes or turning in log sheets,” she said. “They just wanted to be part of the program.”
While outcomes weren’t always tangible, Hawkins said there was plenty of evidence the program kept people on track with their reading.
“I’m going to guess probably 90 percent of (participants) did come in repeatedly all summer,” she said. “Some used their Nooks, Kindles or did audio books… We keep track of our door traffic, and in July we had 2,300 people. People are definitely coming in.”
Hawkins hopes those kinds of numbers are a testament to a larger culture the library staff promotes every time somebody walks in the door. Children in this library do not whisper or tiptoe down aisles, keeping close to their parents’ sides. Although staff emphasize respect for other readers, children are encouraged to sift through books, read them at tables and develop a love for the written word that they can carry into adulthood.
“I don’t want kids to feel like they can’t read in here, like parents have to tell kids to put the books back,” Hawkins said. “It’s not like the fancy formal dining room you can’t eat in. I want the kids to have a love for reading from an early age.”
Many middle school children who use the library regularly have been attending Storytime since they were young children, Hawkins said. That continuity, along with the library filling in gaps left by the elementary school library’s closing and offering accelerated reading books to students, may be factors in the library’s high traffic. It may also be an indicator that adolescents are developing and sticking to reading habits.
“I think we’ve done the groundwork to make people more aware of the library,” Hawkins said. “We have a great partnership with the school district. I think the Storytime program really works. Giant Step kids used to be the ones who came, and now we’re getting about 60 kids every week during the summer. We’re bursting, which is awesome.”
Other youths with longtime library connections came not as participants but as helpers at last week’s party. Approximately 20 Rangely Junior-Senior High School Student Council and 4-H students helped run the event while several 4-H parents and locals Connie Skelton, Anne Urie, and Julia Davis helped out. Giovanni’s Italian Grill, the Rangely Conoco and the Town of Rangely provided prizes and space for the party.
As Hawkins reflected on last week’s celebration, she was clear about why the library does what it does each summer.
“The most enjoyment is the end result,” she said. “You know when those kiddos come and they’re sweaty and tired, their little tongues are blue and they have horse hair on them and a big old bag of prizes, that’s the good stuff – and people are so appreciative.”

Comments are closed.

Come say hi!

@ht.1885
  • Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
  • Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
@bailey_waldref_rew 

💚💚💚

Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
  • More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
  • 🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
  • The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
  • Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
  • Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
  • The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
2 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
3 hours ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
@bailey_waldref_rew 

💚💚💚

Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce! Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues! @bailey_waldref_rew 💚💚💚 Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! #locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
6 hours ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier. “For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.” Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

Thank you, advertisers!