Children participating in the program log every 20 minutes that they've read on a sheet. For every five hours of reading logged, the student is able to pick out a book to take home from the library's community reading room.
Porter recalled a time when she was low on giveaway books. She put out craft kits instead, but the parents didn't like it, she said; they would rather have their kids reading.
"It's a great library, because of the people who come to it. The parents are really supportive, and the children are adorable. I think the parents themselves are very well-educated, so they place high importance on reading," she said.
Many programs measure the number of pages or books read, rather than minutes spent at the activity. Porter chose the latter approach.
"If it becomes about how many books are read, then it's easier to pick up a short book and not really get a lot out of it, since it's not really at your reading level," Porter explained. The time measurement gives a more accurate take on the student's reading habits.
Although the library's Tuesday night program has increased in numbers, there has been a decline in the overall number of reading program participants, Porter noted.
About 300 children participate each year in the program; last summer, the library noted a high of more than 400 children, but the number decreased this year to more typical levels.
"We're always looking for ways to improve the program," Porter said; parents are encouraged to contact her with their ideas and concerns.
Porter made a mid-life career change to become a children's librarian; she previously worked in a doctor's office — and not even for a pediatrician.
"I feel like a librarian now," Porter said. "It's taken me awhile. I always knew I was a bookworm, but I didn't feel like a librarian. People talk about stereotypical librarians, and some of the stereotypes are based in truth, but some we have to bash."
