As part of its 2024 Summer Reading Program, the Three Forks Community Library has partnered with three local banks to raise money for the Three Rivers Senior Center.
According to Library Director Jaime Ewan, First Security Bank, Manhattan Bank, and Opportunity Bank have pledged a total of $700 that can be donated to the Senior Center.
“This has given our community another way to help a local non-profit just by reading. As of today (July 22), our patrons have raised $540 for the Senior Center. It has been a joy to see the patron’s face light up when you tell them they have earned tickets for the giveaway prizes and have earned money for the Senior Center,” Ewan said.
To raise funds, Ewan said adult patrons must read seven hours to earn $1, and six-to-nine-year-olds must read two hours and twenty minutes to earn $1.
“We changed our reading times to make it fair due to the donation. I am so proud of our community and the commitment they have made to help the Senior Center,” said Ewan. “Starting a new program is always nerve-wracking, and you want it to be successful, especially when it benefits a non-profit in town.”
This summer over 330 patrons are participating in the program.
“The Summer Reading Program is our biggest program of the year. Keeping our patrons reading throughout the summer is vital,” Ewan said.
This year’s program ends on Friday, August 9, at 1 p.m. The library will then go live on Facebook at 1:30 p.m. for prize giveaways.