Reading is sweet for Huntley Public Library ‘Lemonheads’

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The Hassell and the Laughlin families began their annual lemonade stand in 2008 to help make their library bigger and better.

Updated: October 26, 2011 1:51AM

HUNTLEY — For the past three years, two local families have been donating the proceeds from their lemonade stands to the Huntley Area Public Library.

This year, the library is expanding on this sweet idea and is encouraging the local community to join in the fun to benefit the Children’s Area of the library.

The program coincides with the library’s summer reading program for kids, titled “Reading is Sweet.”

“We were inspired by the Laughlin and Hassell families, who host a lemonade stand every year and donate the funds to the library,” said Leigh Ann Porsch, communications coordinator for the library. “Lots of parents ask us what they can do for the library. This is something anyone can do,”

In addition to offering the funding idea to the broader community, the library staff also included other patrons who might want to support the Children’s Area.

Those who don’t want to host a lemonade stand can make a cash donation of $25 to the library and be recognized as a “Lemonhead.”

Twin sisters, Laura Laughlin and Stacey Hassell said they were excited to see the library expand on their idea.

“I think it is fantastic,” Hassell said. “It was a great idea to add the Lemonheads. The library has great children’s programs. We go there all the time.”

Library Director Patrick McDonald said the funds donated will be used exclusively for the purchase of materials for the Children’s Area of the library.

“The children are so excited when they come in to donate their money,” he said of the Hassell and Laughlin children.

To participate in the program, residents can plan to hold a lemonade stand in their own neighborhoods during the week of July 17-23.

Preregistration is recommended so that children can have their photos taken and may receive an award from the library for their efforts.

Participants should plan to visit the library from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 28 to make their donations and receive their awards.

The library is located at 11000 Ruth Road in Huntley.

To register, call 847-669-5386 ext. 21.