Waukegan Library Launches Reading Initiatives with Local Perks

The Waukegan Public Library is actively promoting reading among children while enhancing community engagement through a new initiative that offers benefits to library cardholders. This initiative, which includes discounts at local restaurants, reduced-price theater tickets, and free museum entries, is part of a collaborative effort with 13 local businesses and organizations. The program runs through September, aiming to increase the number of library cards issued and encourage parents to read with their children.

According to Jennyfer Cordova, the library’s communications and community engagement manager, these initiatives are designed to foster a love for reading while providing tangible rewards. “It helps parents and children form meaningful memories by reading together,” said Annalisa Teresi, a youth librarian at Waukegan Public Library. The library’s “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” program is particularly noteworthy, encouraging parents to read extensively with their young children.

Starting this September, parents can enroll their children in the “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” program. Amy Grossman, the library’s deputy director, emphasized that reading one or two books each night can lead to completing the program before the child turns five. “While reading 1,000 books sounds like a lot, if you start when your child is a baby, you’ll complete the program before your child is five years old,” she explained during a city council meeting on September 2, 2023.

The program rewards participants with prizes as they reach milestones of 100 books read. Teresi highlighted the importance of these early reading experiences, saying they help children recognize and understand new words. Parents are encouraged to keep a log of the books read, regardless of whether they are new or previously borrowed.

With more than 31,000 library cards currently issued in a city of approximately 90,000 residents, there remains significant potential for growth in cardholders. All residents, including children with parental permission, are eligible for a library card. “We’ve had cardholders as young as six weeks,” Cordova noted. Those interested in obtaining a card can do so by providing an ID with a current address or a bill that verifies their residence.

Participating local businesses offering discounts include Las Delicias Restaurant, Green Town Tavern, Gerdy’s Gourmet Popcorn, and Tacos El Vale. Additionally, Three Brothers Theatre offers a $3 discount on ticket prices. Other benefits include free admission to the African American Museum at England Manor, a 20% discount on full-color printing at the Waukegan Mail Depot, and 10% off refurbished products at Waukegan Computer.

For parents seeking to enrich their children’s reading experiences, the library provides over 10,000 children’s books, including board books and picture books. Books can be borrowed for a period of 21 days, with no limit on the number that can be checked out at once. Teresi emphasized that reading the same book multiple times counts each time it is read, which helps solidify comprehension.

As children reach milestones of 100 books, they can receive rewards such as a small plush toy for those aged three and up, or a board book for children under two. Completing the program results in a bag filled with school supplies and a workbook, further promoting the joy of reading and learning.

The Waukegan Public Library’s initiatives exemplify how local organizations can collaborate to foster a community spirit while promoting educational growth. With ongoing programs and participation from local businesses, the library continues to play a vital role in enriching the lives of families in Waukegan.