Dozens of children gathered at Langley City Library to celebrate their graduation from the summer reading program on Tuesday afternoon.

Asked to read 15 minutes a day and log what books they’ve read, the children who met the requirements received a medal, won prizes of a free book and then were given a scavenger hunt, treats and refreshments.

Up until that morning, the ‘extremely’ successful children’s program was on the chopping block amongst other cuts from the provincial government.

But, as parents proudly gathered the kids around for a group photo, librarians and staff were getting word that the program has been saved.

Late on Monday, the provincial government announced $13.7 million in funding for B.C.’s public libraries, which represents a $4 million cut from the $17.1 million received in 2008.

But, considering all funding was on a freeze until Monday, staff are happy to get 78 per cent of the funding, said City library staff.

“I’m thrilled about it and I thanked the minister for her on-going support of libraries,” said City Mayor Peter Fassbender who took in the graduation. He chairs the Fraser Valley Regional Library Board and sounded the alarms about the possible cuts two months ago.

Since then, an online writing campaign had begun with library patrons voicing their concerns about cutting library services to both the minister and the premier.

“This is a big win for every British Columbian. A lot of people who sent in e-mails to the government can know their voices were heard. Programs like the summer reading program will stay. The minister saw the value this program has for kids and getting them to be readers early on.”

Fassbender said it goes to show that in these tough economic times, the people of B.C. are going to have to be vocal and fight for the programs they believe in.

Salvana Soreal, 7, came to Langley with her family from Egypt six months ago.

Already, she has entered the summer reading book and read seven books. Among her favourites are ones about animals and The Little Mermaid, she said.

Isabella, 7, also loved the program and said she proudly read 15 minutes a day was rewarded with stickers as she went.

But now the library board will have to assess how to live with less and what programs or what services could be reduced or cut.

One service Fassbender didn’t want to see cut was the shared services which allows patrons to take out a book at one library and drop it off at another as well as get orders from libraries throughout B.C.

The Books for Babies, AskAway (an 24/7 online service) and writers in libraries will no longer be financially supported by government.