Photograph Credit: Public Library
Guess the book selections we picked up from our library are a bit more challenging for my unmotivated summer reader.
Mr. 8 has been quite busy this summer and fitting in chapter books for summer reading is not at the top of his list of things to do.
On the other hand, Miss 6 is up to 32 books read, and she keeps a pile of all her books for me to record.
Not wanting to squelch her zeal for reading, I smile as she adds more books though I know she flipped through most of the pages. Reading for her is just really tough.
Thankfully, our public library encourages all reading with summer reading programs. With something for everyone at every stage and age, we are grateful for the rewards offered through our public library system.
Public Library System Summer Reading
Participants
Possibly all readers – our local library has multiple programs: babies, children, teens, and adults. Check with your local branch for summer reading guidelines and registration requirements.
Program Length
Determined by each county – all four of our summer reading programs end on July 26, 2014.
Goal
Promote a love of learning by reading books and via programs developed around books.
Requirements
Varies from county to county, but our process is to register at our local branch, obtain a reading log, choose either to read the allotted number of books or the determined number of hours, and log minutes or books read.
Redemption
Once the participant reaches a goal, bring the reading log to the branch where registered and receive a reward.
Reward
Varies from county to county. Over the past few years, we saw a decrease in the number and value of the summer reading prizes offered through our public library. This year is definitely an improvement over last year, and my children are encouraged by the reduced minimum goals while we press on to success.
The following is a breakdown of the rewards offered through our public library system for 2014:
Baby Rewards (ages 0 – 35 months)
- Board book
Children Rewards (ages 3-12)
- Collectible magnet
- Reading medal
- Entry into a drawing for an annual membership to a local children’s museum
- Coupon for a FREE taco or burrito from Taco Bell
- Ticket voucher to a local minor league baseball game
Teen Rewards (rising 6th – 12th graders)
- Collectible magnet
- Compass clip
- Ticket to either a local waterpark or to a local ice skating rink
- Ticket voucher to a local minor league baseball game
Adult Rewards (ages 18 and up)
- Entry into a drawing for a $150 prepaid card to QuikTrip (gas station)
- Entry into a drawing for an annual South Carolina Statewide Park Pass and 2 golf passes for use at one of two state parks
- Entry into a drawing for a half-day bike rental from a local bike shop
- Wendy’s Jr. Frosty coupon
Public Library System Summer Reading Benefits
Besides earning rewards, registered summer reading participants gain admittance to professional performances throughout the summer. The shows include a musical concert, live-animal show, musical book writer, science demonstrations, puppeteer, and petting zoo.
Though I try to build up the library rewards, I falter a bit when my children expectantly ask what prizes they can earn from Chick-fil-A. Since Chick-fil-A prizes are still not back, we are focusing on the performance opportunities and the baseball game ticket.
As you check your local library, you might find the prizes less valuable from previous years. Focus on the good, encourage reading, and enjoy the FREE rewards. Happy summer reading!
More 2014 summer reading programs: