August 14, 2025 by Karen Cooper McLoughlin 

First, let’s give a big round of applause to all of our Summer Readers this year! Whether you read a stack of picture books, dove into chapter books, or listened to stories at bedtime, every minute counted — and together we did something amazing.

Our community read over 220,773 minutes this summer….that’s about 151 days (nearly five months) of nonstop reading! Imagine reading from the first day of summer all the way to Thanksgiving without stopping. That’s what Seward readers accomplished together.

When we set our first goal at just 10,000 minutes, we thought it would be a fun challenge… but you flew past that, and then every goal we set after that, too. We had to keep raising the bar because you just wouldn’t stop reading — and that’s the best “problem” a library can have.

This year, 272 readers participated in the program:

• 21 Preschoolers
• 79 Elementary students
• 20 Middle Schoolers
• 11 High School students
• 21 Homeschooled Students
• 120 Adults (the largest group—Seward adults showed up and proved they love to read!)

The Library extends a heartfelt thank you to the parents, grandparents, caregivers, and friends who encouraged reading at home, made extra library trips, and helped log those minutes — you make this community of readers possible. And of course — thank you, kids! You proved that reading can take you anywhere — from pirate ships to outer space — without ever leaving your chair.

“As my very first summer in Seward, I couldn’t have imagined a better welcome,” said Jolanta Ryan, Director of the Seward Community Library & Museum. “Seeing hundreds of readers of all ages come together to share their love of books was inspiring. From preschoolers discovering new stories to adults turning pages like champions, this community showed me just how much Seward values learning, imagination, and connection. I can’t wait to see how we’ll grow the program together in the years ahead.”

Adults Took the Win!
Move over, kids — Seward’s grown-ups showed they’ve got serious reading chops! With 120 sign-ups, the Adult category had the highest number of participants in the entire Summer Reading Program. From thrillers to memoirs, beach reads to classics, they turned pages like pros. We see you, Seward adults — and we’re already plotting how to level it up even more next year. Bigger challenges. More prizes. And maybe… just maybe… a rematch with the kids.

This year’s success wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of local partners who donated their time and talent to lead engaging workshops and activities. The Seward Community Library & Museum offers heartfelt thanks to:

• Steve Fink
• Seward Parks and Recreation
• Sean Ulman
• Timberline Learning Co-Op
• Andrew Scrivo, Joel Williams & Simon Estes
• City Manager Kat Sorensen
• Alaska SeaLife Center
• Seward Children’s Museum

We were able to give away 1,479 prizes this summer! Special thanks to our generous program sponsors:

• Seward Community Library Association (Friends of the Library)
• Seward Prevention Coalition
• Seward Ocean Excursions

“Even though the Summer Reading Program is ending, the adventures don’t have to,” said Karen Cooper McLoughlin, Deputy Director. “The library is open year-round, and we can’t wait to see what you’ll discover next.”

About Seward Community Library & Museum
The Seward Community Library & Museum serves as a hub for learning, connection, and creativity, offering programs, resources, and cultural experiences for all ages.

Contact:
Karen Cooper McLoughlin
Deputy Director
Seward Community Library & Museum
907-224-4010
kmcloughlin@cityofseward.net
cityofseward.us.net