On the evening of Dec. 13, a special party was held at the Monument Branch Library to celebrate success. Six students had just completed a 12-week session of the Peak Reader Program, and gathered to receive the congratulations of family, friends and tutors.

At the start of the session, the students were reading at least a year below grade level. During 12 weeks, each met one on one with a tutor for two-hour-long sessions a week, using materials developed for the program. This "graduation," complete with gifts, holiday cupcakes and hugs, acknowledged the students' success.

One of the corporate sponsors, Barnes and Noble, provided a gift of five books to each student. Site coordinator Sue Kana also presented certificates to the tutors in the program.

The Peak Reader Program is the local arm of the Children's Literacy Center, founded by the Junior League in 1991. A not-for-profit organization, it offers these classes free of charge to families throughout the state. Classes are offered at 50 sites, including four libraries in the Pikes Peak Library District.

Elementary school children are referred to the program by their classroom teacher or reading specialist. Home-schooled children may also be tested to determine their need.

The Monument Hill Sertoma provided seed money for the program at the Monument Library, which began in January 2007.

For those interested in volunteering as a tutor, training sessions will be from :30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 22, 23 or 24. Tutors must be at least 14 years of age. Please call 471-8672 and ask for Pamela Polke.

The spring session will be Feb. 5 through May 6.