Laketran and local libraries team up for new summer reading experience

Laketran Ride & Read programs encourage summer reading participation

Laketran and local libraries are partnering this summer to offer a variety of Ride & Read programs to encourage the use of public transportation and participation in the libraries’ summer reading programs for youth and adults.

“Libraries are a very popular destination along our Local Routes and we share a common mission of providing access in our communities,” shared Laketran CEO Ben Capelle. “We have a lot of adults and seniors riding our buses regularly to the library, and we want to teach students who may be home during summer break without transportation that the bus is an affordable and easy way to get around.”

Six public libraries in Eastlake, Willowick, Willoughby, Mentor, Painesville and Fairport Harbor located along Laketran’s Local Routes 1-6 are participating in the Libraries along Laketran Passport program. Participants are encouraged to take Laketran to each library to collect a stamp on their Laketran passport. Participants who complete the passport and receive a stamp from all six libraries are entered into a drawing to win a grand prize. Two grand prize winners, one adult and one child, from each library will be chosen at the end of the summer reading program.

“The passport program is really designed to help riders explore new places that Laketran can take them,” said Capelle. “And one of the best advantages of riding the bus, instead of driving, is that you can read while you’re getting somewhere.”

To kick off the Passport program, each library is hosting a special Story Time on the Bus for children and families. Story times will be held on board a Laketran bus and will include bus themed stories and activities.

For teens and adults, travel training sessions will be held at all participating libraries in June. Laketran’s Travel Training program is a self-paced process where an individual or group, regardless of ability or age, can learn to ride Laketran’s Local Routes, Dial-a-Ride or Park-n-Ride services. The goal of the program is for individuals to become comfortable riding Laketran, gain mobility and independence, and broaden their involvement in Lake County.

“We are happy to partner with Laketran to add some fun and exciting new components to our Summer Reading Program this year,” shared Lori Caszatt, Communications & Development Manager for the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library. “We offer summer reading programs for all ages…children, teens and adults. Laketran is able to add to that by bringing something for everyone to the program.”

“Working together to educate Lake County residents about the services we offer and encourage residents to both ride Laketran and patronize their local library seemed like a natural partnership,” said Capelle.

Libraries participating in the Ride & Read programs include:

Event details are at www.laketran.com. Laketran passports can be picked-up at participating libraries. Pre-registration is required for the Story Times and Travel Training programs, please contact the libraries directly to register.

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