Reading and running came together at Schuylkill Valley Community Library, in Leesport, for the third annual Race to Read on Saturday, Sept. 13. Rain may have threatened the race and fun run, but the weather held off for both events.
Next to the train tracks by the library, 82 runners lined up at the starting line (and finish line) of the 5K race and waited as the countdown began. With a horn from the Leesport Fire Company, the runners took off.
“Many [participants] said they had a nice time, it was a good race and everything went smoothly despite the weather,” said Christie Himmelreich, Schuylkill Valley Community Library Director. “Several runners said they enjoyed the course which is a combination of cinder trail and paved surface.”
The course started and finished at the railroad tracks and then went through an adjacent development onto a running trail and back to the starting point. Waiting at the finish line were a number of supporters cheering on the runners as they became visible on their way back.
“The kids enjoyed the fun run as well,” said Himmelreich. To participate in the fun run, the 15 children donated a book to the library.
The event is one of the main annual fundraising efforts for the library and is organized by the Friends of the Schuylkill Valley Community Library.
“Race Chairperson Karen Bailey and her committee spent many hours soliciting local sponsors and distributing information about the race door to door in the community,” said Himmelreich.
Family sponsorships along with local businesses and civic organizations were available with sponsors being recognized on sponsors’ posters at the race and others listed on the race t-shirts depending on the sponsorship level. Just as the sponsors helped the library by donating to the event, the library gave back to the sponsors with their logos being visible in the community whenever someone wears the shirt.
“The event was started to assist the board with monetary issues because of budget cuts; a 5K was chosen because I’m a runner and I felt that the area needed a different fundraiser,’ said Karen Bailey at last year’s race.
“It’s a great event because it includes the entire family,” said Himmelreich. “Even if you aren’t a runner, you can either walk or participate as a volunteer and still be a part of the fun. As you may expect from a great community, we also see many local residents during the 5K to cheer on the runners.”
While the race was taking place, library staff and local Girl Scouts offered free childcare to the children of the race participants. The library also held a birthday party.
“We held a 25th birthday party for the library during the race for those children and community members. Red Robin’s mascot, Red, joined the kids for the party. The kids made party hats, decorated cupcakes and broke pinatas during the party. This year, children and adults both received goodie bags packed with coupons and fun giveaways donated by race sponsors,” said Himmelreich.
Despite the weather, this year’s Race to Read was another success and a great day spent at the library for children and adults.
Coming up at Schuylkill Valley Community Library is the Fall Used Book Sale during which apple dumplings are available for pickup. The apple dumplings are available for a cost and must be ordered and paid for at the library by Oct. 2. The book sale is Friday, Oct. 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Then on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. during which there will also be a fill a bag special.
For those interested in joining the Friends of the Schuylkill Valley Community Library, contact the library at 610-926-1555.
