Summer is finally here, and it’s the ideal time to dive into a good book.
The South Interlake Regional Library is once again launching its summer reading program. This much-anticipated annual event encourages participants to register and track their reading progress throughout the summer. As they progress, participants earn ballots toward grand prizes.
In addition, Book Bucks can be redeemed in the library’s “store” for fun prizes. Although the program is mainly geared toward children, adults are welcome to participate, too.
“This year’s theme is ‘Dive In,’ which each of our branches has put their own spin on,” said executive director Michael Hepples.
“I don’t want to give too much away, but ‘landlubbers’ might want to get ‘kraken’ on checking out the decorations going up in Teulon and Stonewall and keep an eye out for some specific activities that follow the theme.”
Six grand prizes are available, catering to a range of tastes — including one for adults.
“In those prize packages are passes for Oak Hammock Marsh, generously donated, and a variety of toys, books and games,” Hepples said.
“The ‘store’ is always a highlight — staff put a lot of time and energy into finding neat things to stock in the store to spark the kids’ interest.”
The benefits of participating are numerous.
“Some of us read a lot, others need a bit of a push, but we all benefit greatly from literacy, whether it is through the access to information we receive from our reading or the health benefits that come from exercising our brains regularly,” Hepples added.
“If you read a ton already, then you can continue to enjoy something you love and possibly win a great prize to boot. If you or your kids aren’t heavy into reading, here is a great way to make reading extra fun, with neat prizes and activities to do along the way. Everyone wins when we read together, and that counts too — so even if you plan to spend your summer reading to your kids, you should register and participate.”
The program is sponsored by TD Summer Reading Club, which is Canada’s largest bilingual summer reading program. Several other donors also contributed to the program, including Tracey Malone of The Co-operators, Jim and Hazel Ridley, and the Friends of the Library.
“It’s free with cool notebooks, web access codes and stickers when you register,” Hepples said.
“It inspires kids to explore the fun of reading while promoting the public library, and it’s key to supporting a lifelong love of reading.”
The summer reading program is open to anyone in the library’s service area. For more information or to register, contact the Teulon or Stonewall branch.
