The librarian’s office is less cluttered, the refrigerator and freezer are almost empty, the limbo equipment is stashed away, and the garden will be quiet on Tuesday and Friday mornings. No more trucks to explore, tents to pitch, helicopters to land. Summer Reading 2024 has come to a close.

There were 12 sessions during June and July this year. A total of 61 kids were registered in the program. Vida Camp added 42 to our numbers on two occasions. With 520 visits during the 12 weeks, the total number of participants averaged 43 each day!

This year’s staff and programs were amazing. Monica McClelland directed the program with flare and grace. Library Assistant Andie Ortega kept records and assisted Monica. Kate Mann kept the library intact and functioning for regular library guests. Volunteers Margaret Lejuste and Linda Betz welcomed the kids each morning and heard what they had read during the week. Parents were quick to pitch in wherever they were needed.

Thank you to everyone who made Summer Reading 2024 a true adventure. All the truckers, Larry Sanchez, Mayor John Ortega, the Village of Questa, Questa EMS, Fire and Police Departments, Lyle Groves, Jenny Kostecki, Twirl, Spencer Warnock, Nick and Alex from the Forest Service, Claire Cote, Cat Gilliam, Joyce Archuleta, Mark Lewis Wagner, John Walsh, the crew of CareFlight 16, Friends of the Questa Public Library and, of course, Smokey Bear.

We are now planning Summer Reading 2025. Get ready!