The sound of a bell ringing throughout the community on Saturday, Oct. 29 that signaled a group of children can now read on their own. 

The Jessamine County Public Library partnered with the Jessamine County Courthouse, Jessamine Early Learning Village and County Judge Executive David West to offer a celebration for children who have recently read their first book independently. 

Participants were allowed to ring the courthouse bell to let everyone in the community know they are a reader now. 

The children also wrote their names into the Jessamine County Public Library’s Book of Names, and received a special certificate celebrating their achievement. The participants in the last Literacy Bell event of the fall were Lily Chisholm, Olivia Klotz and Grey Haddix.

The program has existed for the past seven years and for the past five years the Library has partnered with the courthouse. Juliana Gaddis said more Literacy Bell events will be offered this spring.