DeKalb Times

Illinois state Sen. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) recently took to social media to encourage youths in his district to participate in his reading program.

“Kids who don’t read over the summer can lose up to 3 months of the previous year’s reading skills,” Chesney said in a June 11 Facebook post. “Be a summer reader by joining Senator Chesney’s Summer Reading Club!”

Children in first through sixth grades are eligible to participate in the senator’s summer reading challenge that is taking place through Aug. 4, according to his website.

Individuals who read at least eight books and submit their reading log will be invited to an ice cream party to celebrate the successful completion of the challenge.

“My summer reading program is a fun way to encourage reading throughout the summer break,” Chesney said on the website. “Reading logs are available at District 45 Libraries, at schools, and many were mailed to families in the District. I look forward to meeting the young readers and congratulating them for their success at our ice cream party.”

Libraries in District 45 include the Rockford Public Library, Freeport Public Library, Chadwick Public Library, Bertolet Memorial Library District, Genoa Public Library and others. In total, there are 29 libraries across the district where readers can pick up the forms.

For more information or to have a reading log mailed, parents should contact Chesney’s office by phone at 815-232-0774 or by email at Chesney@ilsenategop.org.

Chesney also announced that his constituents can obtain a free Constituent Education Resource Card from his office that will allow them to visit a variety of museums and attractions in the Chicagoland area, a release from his office said. Those include the Adler Planetarium, Brookfield Zoo, The Field Museum, John G. Shedd Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry.

The pass is only available for one group at a time; so it is a first-come, first-serve situation. Those interested can reserve the pass by calling 815-232-0774 and providing their name, address and requested dates. The pass must be picked up from Chesney’s Freeport office and returned there when the reservation is up.

Chesney was elected in November 2022 to the Illinois Senate for the state’s 45th District, his website biography said. He previously served as representative for the 89th District. Chesney has served as an elected member of the Freeport City Council and has been a past board member of the Regional Access Mobilization Project (RAMP)—an organization that provides support services and advocacy for people with disabilities. He is also a former mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters.