Franklinton Branch Celebrates Colorful End to Summer Reading Program

Published 8:00 am Friday, July 25, 2025

SPECIAL TO THE DAILY NEWS

This past Thursday marked the grand finale of the Franklinton Branch Library’s 2025 Summer Reading Program, Color Our World. Throughout the summer, the library hosted an exciting lineup of events, featuring dinosaurs, mimes, dancers, storytellers, and more.

In total, the library presented 6 performance programs, 5 storytimes, 3 craft days and 1 movie day.

A total of 227 participants attended these events, and 214 readers successfully completed the program—comprising 137 children, 14 teens, and 63 adults. Together, these graduates read an impressive 3,266 books over the course of the summer.

Nine reading prizes—three per age group—were awarded, thanks to the generosity of the Washington Parish Friends of the Library, Amite Pizza Hut, Karen Galivan, and Audrey Favors.

The graduation ceremony drew a crowd of over 50 attendees, who received more than 60 goodie bags filled with donations from the Washington Parish Friends of the Library, International Paper, Taco Bell, and Sonic. Additionally, 120 books, donated by International Paper, were distributed to children and families.

Highlights of the celebration included a door prize crochet blanket, donated by Tracy Seals; Frosty cards from Wendy’s; a live tractor demonstration, courtesy of the Washington Parish Government; popsicles from Jack Brown’s and lots of fun and games, provided by James and Renee Herbert.

The Franklinton Branch Library extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, contributed, or supported the program. Special appreciation goes to the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Greater Baton Rouge Arts Council for making events like this possible.

Although the reading program has ended, the summer fun continues! Don’t miss Teen Beach Party Night on Friday, July 25, 2025, featuring ice cream provided by Bessie’s Sweet Retreat.