Both programs kick off this weekend at the Athens Regional Library System as an effort to encourage children and young adults to read for pleasure over the summer. Each library within the regional library system is offering incentives for reading with name tags, stickers, certificates and squirt frogs, among others prizes, after a certain number of books have been read. Young adults have differing incentives based on the library. The program kicks off Friday, June 2, for children up through grade five or age 11 and on Saturday, June 3, for young adults ages 11 to 18. This popular summer program serves hundreds of area youth each summer.
Younger children earn books by being read to, so every age can participate.
And when older kids read to younger ones, both get credit for the book. Children can read anything from picture books, chapter books and magazines in an effort to reach their goal. Listening to audio books also counts. Young adults can read any books from the young adult and adult sections, including unabridged audio books. However, magazines, cartoon books and children's books do not count.