Elkhart Public Library hosts free community party to celebrate Summer Reading

ELKHART, Ind. -- The Elkhart Public Library announced it will celebrate a record-setting Summer Reading Challenge on Thursday at the Tolson Center for Community Excellence.

The celebration will be from 3 to 7:45 p.m. 

Organizers say families can expect activities for kids, games, crafts, food, inflatables, and a rock-climbing wall.

At 4:30 p.m., children’s performer Jim Gill will host a free concert and attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair.

From 6 to 7:45 p.m., organizers say the party continues just for teens

Froggy 102.7 radio will also broadcast live during the event.

The party is free, and organizers say participation in the Summer Reading Challenge is not required to attend.

More local kids logged reading throughout the 2024 challenge than ever before, according to library officials.

Between 5 and 6 p.m., prize winners will be announced including the grand prize, the Potawatomi Zoo experience with sloth encounter and a hotel stay.

Other prizes include a LEGO set, laser tag set, and more.

The Tolson Center is located at 1320 Benham Ave. in Elkhart.