Cascade Friends Support ‘Battle of the Books’ Competition for Students

If you’re old enough to remember the early College Bowl telecasts from the 1950s or an updated version hosted on NBC by Peyton Manning, then you have a pretty good idea what the annual Battle of the Books competition is at the Cascade Branch of the Kent District Library.

It’s an opportunity for kids with skills outside the athletic arena to put their reading skills to the test in friendly competition with other teams of students by answering questions in a timed and judged event at the library.

The “Battle” has grown in popularity over the years, with 22 four-person teams sparring this year for gift cards and the right to display the championship trophy in their school, according to Lulu Brown, branch director.

“We register the four-person teams a couple weeks before the event, go into the classrooms to explain it and build excitement, and share four book titles that we will draw questions from,” she explained. “Each team must have an adult coach.”

Excitement and anticipation build in the ensuing weeks as the kids choose team names and plan how to decorate their tables. Prizes are awarded for the best table decoration, and each participant receives a certificate to commemorate the event.

Brown said that the energy in the room at this year’s “Battle” was remarkable, as students cheered enthusiastically for correct answers, creating an atmosphere that felt as exciting as a championship sporting event.

“It’s not just about the kids, though,” she explained. “Families came out in strong support to encourage their young readers. One of the most rewarding aspects of the evening was seeing entire families engaged in the challenge, with parents quietly thinking through the questions alongside the students.”

Programs like Battle of the Books highlight the library’s commitment to making learning fun and engaging for young readers while fostering a love of reading that extends beyond the program itself. The event also reflects the strong partnership between the library, Friends of the Library, local schools, and families who support literacy and learning in our community.