VALDOSTA — The South Georgia Regional Library System celebrated the success of the 2009 Summer Reading Program with treats, prizes and entertainment Saturday during its Summer Celebration at the Valdosta-Lowndes County Library.

The event was held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and provided snow cones, a bounce house, face painting, story times, door prizes and other activities free of charge.

During the celebration, the Echols teen club, comprised of library members from the Allen Statenville branch, performed a short skit based on the Legend of Zelda.

Other special programs include a puppet show by the Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes County and poetry performances by Poetic Magic.

For a little musical entertainment, local musician Matt Flumerfelt played selections on the trumpet and piano, and Shaun Hopper played a few selections on his guitar.

At 3:30 p.m., a grand prize drawing was held to recognize Summer Reading program members in the children’s age group, teen age group and adult age group. The prizes were awarded by local VIPs, including Hahira Councilwoman and former library board member Rose Adams; Echols County Schools Superintendent Larry Allen; and current board member Gray Rawls. Doug Duvall of Waldenbooks also presented door prizes.

This year’s reading program included 2,447 people.

“Today’s event was just a combination of how very successful the program was this year, as well as a way to recognize all of the patrons,” said Assistant Director of Public Services Kelly Lenz. “We’d like to thank the community and all who supported us by participating and contributing in some way to the program.”

The Valdosta-Lowndes County Library will also host a reception and viewing of the children’s Creative Expressions art contest entries at the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. The teens’ Summer Reading Photo Manipulation and Urban Art will also be on display at Hildegard’s throughout this month.