Wilmot Awarded Deerfield Public Library Summer Reading Cup

The following was submitted by the Deerfield Public Library:

Wilmot Elementary School students learned at their first assembly of the year that their school was the winner of the inaugural Deerfield Public Library (DPL) Cup. The DPL Cup recognizes the Deerfield elementary or middle school that had the highest percentage of students participate in the Library’s summer reading program.

“I am so proud of our Wilmot boys and girls for winning the DPL Cup,” said Wilmot Principal Eileen Brett. “Thank you to Mr. Connell and all of our Wilmot staff for helping our students develop a true love of reading.” The DPL cup presentation included a congratulatory video from Richard Connell, Wilmot’s previous Library Media Center Director.

The DPL Cup, modeled after the tradition of the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup, will be awarded annually, and held for the year by the winning school.

“Clearly, Deerfield students enjoy competitive reading, as registration for the Library’s summer program reached an all-time high,” said Library Director Mary Pergander. “Congratulations to every Deerfield student that spent time reading this summer. Every summer reader is a winner.”

Participants in the Library’s summer reading program agreed to read at least 24 days over the eight weeks of the program, and many challenged themselves to read 39 days. The Library staff recommended that students read 20 minutes per day. National research conducted by Dominican University confirms that public library summer reading programs have a measurable impact on students’ progress. Findings include that participants scored higher on reading achievement tests at the beginning of the next school year.

Photo caption: (L-R) Deerfield Public Library Youth Services Manager Meg Anthony, Youth Librarian Paula Shapiro, and Wilmot Elementary School Principal Eileen Brett present the DPL Cup at the August 29 school assembly.