Sanibel Public Library District’s 2025 Summer Reading Program, Island Adventures: A Summer Reading Journey Through Sanibel, wrapped up on Friday, August 1, with a momentous End of Summer Celebration!
This year’s program marked a milestone for the Library, offering a thoughtfully reimagined, Sanibel-focused experience that — for the first time — included adults alongside children and teens. Throughout the summer, participants logged their reading minutes, attended special Summer Reading library programs, and joined in an island-wide scavenger adventure featuring eight of Sanibel’s nonprofit organizations.
The program not only promoted literacy and encouraged daily reading habits across all ages, but it also made a meaningful impact through the “Read for Others” initiative. For every 150 minutes read by participants, one book was donated to Lee Health’s Golisano Children’s Hospital. This effort is made possible by the continued support of the Sanibel Public Library Foundation.
This summer, the Sanibel community logged an incredible 276,339 total minutes of reading, resulting in 1,843 books donated to the Golisano Children’s Hospital. Adults led the way with 149,285 minutes, while children contributed an impressive 127,104 minutes.
Elaine Sullo, Golisano’s Medical Library Manager, and Polly Woodring, Volunteer Chair of Reading Adventures with Barbara’s Friends, accepted the donated books during the celebration. On how they’re used, Sullo shared: “They will be available for patients and their families through the onsite Library at Golisano and distributed to patient rooms and floors.”
At the celebration, grand raffle prizes were awarded to participants in four age groups. The grand prizes, valued over $200 each, contained items from local island businesses, including generous donations from Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream, A Little Adventure: Children’s Outfitters, and Bubbly Latitude.
Sanibel Public Library Foundation President Pat Schwartz expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the community: “Thank you for your invaluable financial support to the Sanibel Public Library Foundation! Your contributions enable us to enrich programs like the Summer Reading Program, fostering life-long learning.”
The Summer Reading Program and “Read for Others” are pillar initiatives made entirely possible through the unwavering support of the Sanibel Public Library Foundation and its generous donors. To learn more about the Sanibel Public Library Foundation, its initiatives, and ways to support, visit www.sanlib.org/foundation or call (239) 472-2483.
