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(Des Moines, IA) -- The Des Moines Public Library saw record-breaking participation in this year's summer reading program.
The library says more than 11,600 children to part in this year's Summer Reading Challenge. That number includes both individual readers and summer reading grounds. A record setting 2,482 children registered in the first week of the program.
The increased participation accounts for about 24% of the City of Des Moines' population under 18 years old. During the course of the summer, over 10,000 new books were given out to children to take home, 6,074 reading logs were completed and turned in, which is a post-pandemic record, and 524 new library cards were made for children. The library also hosted 258 events throughout the summer with 10,652 people attending.
The Des Moines Public Library is hosing a number of events this fall. More information on what's upcoming yet this year at the library is available on the Des Moines Public Library's website.