Monkeying Around

Related Photos

Miki, a 16-year-old Capuchin monkey, performed for children at Friday's summer reading program conclusion. Miki's 'mom' and handler, Pam Cox, said the breed comes from northern South America. She and Miki offered children some history on this type of monkey, which she said was once known as 'organ-grinder' monkeys. Libby Cluett/Index
Lluvia Montes read 796 books between late May and last week – the most of any child registered in the Boyce Ditto Public Library summer reading program. Libby Cluett/Index
Bikes and books, donated by the Rotary Club of Mineral Wells and Walmart, served as door prizes. The Rotary Club bikes went to Brianna Harris, center, and Jaylee Newman, on the right. Col. Willie Casper, left, shows the girls their new sets of wheels. Libby Cluett/Index

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July 29, 2012

Monkeying Around

Party, awards bring summer reading program to a close

Anonymous Mineral Wells Index The Mineral Wells Index Sun Jul 29, 2012, 11:59 AM CDT

By LIBBY CLUETT | lcluett@mineralwellsindex.com

The grand finale of the Boyce Ditto Public Library summer reading program, “Get a Clue at the Library,” seemed to demonstrate the adage, “It takes a whole village to raise a child.”

On Friday morning, an estimated 117 children and 65 parents gathered at Lamar Elementary to help bring the reading program to a close. The crowd was treated to a performance by Miki the Monkey and his handler, Pam Cox.

Donations for the event came from businesses and organizations throughout the community to encourage reading and library involvement. The Rotary Club of Mineral Wells contributed books and two bicycles, given to them by Col. Willie Casper. Walmart donated another eight bikes, while Ace Hardware donated a red radio flyer wagon.

Crystal Randol, of Cake Creations, made cakes that resembled stacked books topped with a scene. Awards and More contributed 24 medals for top readers and First State Bank donated a $50 money order for the child who read the most books between the end of May, when readers registered, and last week.

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