Book sets donated by Ellen Shay to the Traer Public Library’s 2024 summer reading program. Shay donated 58 book/stuffed animal sets in total to the library in memory of her husband, the late Terry Shay who taught K-12 vocal music at North Tama County Community School District for 33 years prior to his retirement in May of 2023. Mr. Shay unexpectedly passed away on Sept. 28, 2023. PHOTO COURTESY OF DIANE PANFIL

TRAER – Starting June 5, summer participants began signing up for the Traer Library’s Annual Summer Reading Program. This year’s theme, “Adventure Begins At Your Library,” involves students coloring their personal “explorer” who advances to each continent as the reader achieves his or her reading goal. 

Young readers participating in the Traer Public Library’s Summer Reading Challenge are excited by the “big” prizes for those explorers who reach all seven continents. All of this year’s prizes have been donated by Ellen Shay who generously gifted the program 58 children’s books each with an accompanying stuffed animal relevant to the book. This incredibly generous gift is donated in memory of Terry Shay who served as the vocal music teacher at North Tama County Community Schools for 33 years. Mr. Shay actively fostered the love of books among his many students in grades K-12. His high school morning book club was a favorite of many students. Mr. Shay chaired the Visiting Author Program with well-known authors and illustrators giving programs and spending time interacting with the PK-12 students at North Tama. In addition, he wrote a grant for the purchase of a book vending machine for which elementary students earn tokens representing good character to select a free book. 

Mr. Shay founded International Dot Day based on the book “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds. Dot Day – now celebrated across the globe by people of all ages around Sept. 15 each year – promotes creativity and making a mark on the world.

“Terry loved books, stuffies and children,” Ellen Shay said. “This gift to the summer reading program is a way to honor Terry while also benefiting children by nurturing and celebrating their love of books.”

Many of the students involved in the summer reading program have fond memories of Mr. Shay, his music classes and his love and excitement for books.  Diane Panfil, Traer Public Library Director, noted that in addition to the children, library patrons of all ages enjoy viewing the book and stuffie sets. There have been many enthusiastic reactions such as “I remember this book!” Panfil said.

Mr. Terry Shay.

“We are so excited that Ellen [Shay] wanted to donate book and stuffed animal sets to our Summer Reading Program,” Panfil continued. “These sets are a wonderful prize for those finishing the reading challenge, and a perfect way to remember Mr. Shay. I love seeing the reactions from the kids when they see all the wonderful sets they have to choose from, and it has definitely encouraged them to keep reading and finish the challenge.”

Ellen Shay’s generous gift has helped continue Mr. Shay’s hope for readers of all ages to love books.

A scholarship has been set up in Terry Shay’s name to support students in the community where he taught for so many years. Donations can be made in person or by mail to the Terry Shay Scholarship Fund, Farmers Savings Bank & Trust, 611 2nd Street, Traer, IA 50675.