In February, a program is offered to first grade beginning readers to encourage them to utilize their newly acquired reading skills. Children are signed up and a name tag is posted on the Youth Services bulletin board. A special program is held at the close to recognize the accomplishments of the children. Dates and registration procedures are available at the Youth Services desk, on local cable, in the Park Forest quarterly calendar booklet and in the Star. During the summer the Youth Services Department offers grade school children a Summer Reading Program .
Participants read books on their reading level.
Those who complete the requirements are invited to a picnic in Central Park in August and to a program in Freedom Hall. At that time they are awarded a certificate of completion. During the summer various programs and activities are available for those in the program. Notices and registration procedures are available at the Youth Services Desk beginning June 1 every year. The Youth Services Department encourages students to participate in the Rebecca Caudill Award Program by reading and voting for their favorite nominated books.