For immediate release: October 13, 2026
Douglas County Libraries’ annual Summer Reading program once again demonstrated the power of reading to connect young people with their schools and communities. As part of its 2026 program, Howdy Partner, Let’s Read, DCL and the DCL Foundation recognized four Douglas County schools with the highest student participation per school level, along with a selected local nonprofit through the community goal.
Northridge Elementary School, Mountain Ridge Middle School, ThunderRidge High School, and Renaissance Elementary Magnet School each earned a $500 award, and Douglas County 4-H Youth Council received $1,000 as the nonprofit recipient of the community reading goal. School contest signups were tallied via the Beanstack online registration app. The school in each category with the most signups as a percentage of 2025-2026 enrollment earned the reward.
This year’s recipients are putting those funds toward books, welcoming library spaces, leadership opportunities, and experiences designed to help young people thrive.
According to Mercedes Glenn of the Douglas County 4-H Youth Council, the community goal award will help expand opportunities for youth to develop leadership skills and confidence.
“The funding will have a meaningful impact, helping provide opportunities for youth to participate in leadership experiences, training, and activities that allow them to grow in confidence, take on new responsibilities, and become leaders with their clubs and the broader program,” Glenn said.
At Northridge Elementary School, Library Specialist Mary Peck plans to use the award to purchase books that students are excited to read. “I was so proud of our students. I tried to focus on the importance of reading over the summer so they’re ready for the next grade and don’t have to play catch-up when school starts again,” she said.
Erin Chen, Library Specialist at Renaissance Elementary Magnet School, is proud of her students’ participation in Summer Reading because it shows that they view reading as a source of joy and wonder. “My goal is to instill a love of reading, and their participation proves I am on the right track,” Chen said.
ThunderRidge High School, a repeat recipient of the school contest prize, has combined multiple years of prize money to transform its library into a more inviting space. Students have helped select furniture styles and layouts, including cozy sofas and mobile desks, giving them a role in shaping a space designed around how they learn and gather.
“Connecting their summer pages to tangible library upgrades turns reading into a shared, exciting mission that lasts all year,” said ThunderRidge Teacher Librarian Stephanie Sjoland.
Teacher Librarian Alicia D’Antonio emphasizes that encouraging summer reading at Mountain Ridge Middle School begins well before summer break. She also credits teachers for supporting literacy and learning in their classrooms all year.
“I believe summer reading success begins at the beginning of the school year,” D’Antonio said. “When students have access to books they are truly interested in, and are comfortable in an environment that encourages reading, it’s a winning combination.”
By celebrating participation and reinvesting in local schools and organizations, Douglas County Libraries and the DCL Foundation help ensure that the joy of reading continues to make an impact long after summer ends.
During its two-month run, Howdy Partner, Let’s Read drew more than 16,000 participants who logged 11.5 million minutes of reading in the community challenge, exceeding the goal by a million minutes. DCL’s Summer Reading will return in June 2027.
To learn more about the Douglas County Libraries Foundation, visit DCL.org/foundation.
Douglas County Libraries elevates our community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery and connection.
