More than 170 Wrangell kids can answer the question, “What did you do this summer?” with “READ!”

The Irene Ingle Public Library summer reading program ended with a pizza lunch, pool party and prize drawings to celebrate the accomplishments of all those readers.

Sarah Scambler, the library director, reported a total of 3,027 books read by students entering grades K-9. These books correspond to the Wrangell school district’s accelerated reader program. There are computer test questions for each book, and correct answers earn points, which earn tickets, which are then put in jars for the prize drawings.

Scambler said 105 students finished the program with 10 points or more, and seven earned the maximum allowable 100 points.

Riley Kaiser, 11, was one of those readers with 100 points. “I just love reading in general,” she said. She especially enjoyed a dark mystery series, noting, “It’s cool you can just pick up a book and go on an adventure!” She hoped her ticket for a camera would be a winner, and it was.

This was the 30th year of the summer program, initiated by librarian Kay Jabusch in 1995. Scambler said every year is different: “different kids, different books, different prizes.”

This year’s theme was “Reading Gives You Wings.” Readers were given stickers to add to a mystery mosaic on the library wall — when it was complete, it revealed a giant butterfly.

Kaitlin Wilson, library assistant, said it was interesting to note readers’ progress from summer to summer, seeing “how much the kids have grown and developed, the different kinds of things they like to read.”

Ben Howe, 7, says this is his third time he’s participated in the program, and every year has been an equal amount of fun. He focused on the Dogman series, reading the first eight books. He put his tickets into cash award jars — and hit a payday.

The rewards go beyond the prize drawings and parties.

The library’s summer reading website emphasizes both the academic and social benefits of the program: “Summer reading programs are essential to helping students become better readers, writers and spellers. Public library programs can help meet the personal and social needs of youth and help them feel safe, cared for and valued. Numerous studies have shown that reading over the summer prevents reading loss.”

Scambler said one of the attractions of the program is making it easily available, while reminding readers they can participate as much or as little as they like. Some read several books, some read just one.

Lilly Morse, 8, enjoyed some of the Lemony Snicket “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” but picking up a book was just one of things she liked to do this summer. “Basically, if I was bored, I’d read.”

Community support for the program is an important part of its success. The prizes are all donated, and First Bank is a major sponsor of the pizza lunch.

“And we’re so thankful that Parks and Recreation was able to get the pool open,” Scambler said of the Aug. 9 end-of-program party.

Out of all the 11,546,821 words students read this summer, the last two were THE END.