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   Pine River Public Library is excited to announce Lillian “Lilly” Lahr as the winner of this year’s Summer Writing Program! With encouragement from her parents Kimberly and Jeremiah, Lilly (age 11) completed all eight writing prompts and submitted her favorite composition for judging.

   For Lilly, writing is a way to express herself. When asked why she enjoys writing, she said, “It is easier to write what I am feeling.” While she enjoys writing, Lilly loves reading even more and says she will read pretty much anything. The library is one of her favorite places to be, and she says the encouragement she received from the library gave her the confidence to complete the program.

   The Summer Writing Program was created and organized by the library’s Teen Advisory Board (TAB), which develops fun and engaging activities to encourage tweens and teens to visit and get involved at the library. Participants received a journal and writing utensil, completed eight pages of creative prompts, and earned prizes along the way. Those who completed the program could submit a favorite composition to be judged by TAB.

   TAB is an important part of the library’s efforts to give young people a voice in library programming. The board meets once a month on the third Thursday at 5 p.m. at the library, where members help brainstorm and plan activities they think will interest and engage their peers.

   When Lilly isn’t reading or writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially playing board games and watching movies together. Pine River Public Library congratulates Lilly on her accomplishment and thanks all of the young writers who participated. Her success is a wonderful example of how encouragement, creativity, and a welcoming library can help young people discover confidence in their own voices.

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