Library sees jump in winter reading participation

Participation in the Winter Reading Program at the Wells County Public Library increased by 34%, reported board member John Stauffer. 

Clocking in at 818,255 pages read total, this also superseded the library’s goal of 500,000 pages read for the winter. Stauffer and Matt Yergler, who serve as the commissioners’ appointees to the board, provided this information in a quarterly update of library activities on Monday.

The library is now preparing for its Summer Reading Program, which will begin May 28 and finish July 31. Stauffer said adults and teens need to read just 500 pages to participate in prizes. The grand prize for adults is a pizza-of-the-month gift card from Pizza Hut and $200 in Chamber Bucks; the grand prize for teens is a $100 gift card. 

The children’s summer reading program counts in minutes, which vary by age group to earn prizes. The Jim Barron Magic Show will kick off summer reading from 4-6 p.m. on June 4.

Stauffer also reported that 330 people participated in the Friends of the Library mini-golf fundraiser, which raised $3,000 for program costs.

HazMat Day is June 15 

The Solid Waste District board will host county-wide HazMay Day from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, at Bluffton-Harrison Middle School. Collected hazardous materials include household items like old gasoline and pesticides, pharmaceuticals, appliances and electronics. 

Up to four tires, truck or standard, can also be disposed of for free. Twelve additional standard tires cost $2 each, and a limit of six truck tires for $5 each. Tractor tire disposal costs $75 each. Tires on rims are accepted but cost an additional $1. Standard television disposal will cost $20; large or console televisions will cost $25. 

During the district’s board meeting Monday, Auditor Lisa McCormick reported 8,250 lbs. of paper were collected during the county’s Shred Day — up from roughly 6,000 lbs. last year despite being held for one hour less time.

— Compiled by Holly Gaskill