Pilgrim’s $5,000 donation funds Russellville Public Library’s Summer Reading Program

Each summer the Russellville Public Library launches its Summer Reading Program, a fun, weekly literacy program designed to keep local children engaged, and, since 2022, that program has been made possible in part by an annual monetary donation from Pilgrim’s of Russellville.

On Tuesday afternoon, Pilgrim’s came through again, presenting Russellville Public Library with $5,000 to fund the program. The $5,000 was an $800 increase from the company’s gift last year. On hand from Pilgrim’s were Christina Juan and Trina Johnson who presented RPL Director Joshlyn Bowen, RPL Board members and library staff with the check.

“We’re glad to continue our annual donation to the Summer Reading Program,” Juan told the Franklin Free Press. “It’s one way we can contribute to an important program in the community.”

“Giving back is very important to all of us at Pilgrim’s,” Johnson added.

Bowen thanked Pilgrim’s for its philanthropy which will cover the entire cost of this year’s program, “Unearth A Story.”

“The Russellville Public Library would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Pilgrim’s of Russellville for your continued support of our 2026 Summer Reading Program, ‘Unearth a Story,’” she said. “For the past five years, Pilgrim’s has generously sponsored this program in full, making it possible for us to offer a fun, engaging, and completely free experience for the children in our community.”

The “Unearth A Story” program at RPL will begin the first Friday in June, June 5, at 2:00 p.m. and, with the exceptions of June 26 and July 3, will run every Friday through the month of July. The program will include reading logs and fun incentives and prizes.

“Our Summer Reading Program helps children maintain up to 80% of their reading retention over the summer by encouraging daily reading through these activities,” Bowen said.

The full schedule of events will be posted on the RPL’s Facebook page and inside the library on May 15. Registration details, when they are available, will also be published on those two spaces.

“Once again, thank you to Pilgrim’s of Russellville for investing in literacy and making this program accessible to every child in our community,” Bowen added.