BamPowReadThe Kent Free Library’s Summer Reading Program is underway, with reading incentives, contests, and events for all ages. In keeping with this year’s theme of Every Hero Has a Story, programs will feature local heroes like the Kent Kiwanis and the Ben Curtis Family Foundation, as well individuals in the community.

Children entering grades K – 5 sign up in the Dubois Children’s Reading Room to receive their reading record.  Time spent reading earns prizes, and Super Readers earn a static cling sticker, a place on the Super Reader Hall of Fame, and a free book.  Kids also earn votes in the 6th annual Care for a Critter Contest, to choose which animal the library will sponsor at the Akron Zoo.

“The support we’ve received from the Kent Kiwanis has enabled us to reward kids who participate this summer in some special ways,” says Youth Services Manager Shelley Hall. In addition to earning cling stickers and free books, thanks to sponsorship from the Kent Kiwanis, kids can attend a spectacular finale at the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center, featuring magician Jason Alan.

The library also offers a program for teen readers, for which they earn a scratch off ticket for every 2 books they read, with a chance to win coupons from local businesses.  Each ticket is also an entry in a grand prize drawing at the end of the summer.

ASDSRP2Adults can register for their own program at the Information Desk, and earn entries into drawings for amazing prizes when they read books or attend programs.

Many activities and events are scheduled, including the annual kids’ photo contest; crafts for kids, teens, and adults; story times, including 2 new family story times. Heroes in the community will lead one of the new story times.

Adult Services Manager Melissa Ziminsky says that this summer’s program provides many opportunities to have fun, learn, and give back to the community.

“Adults can participate by reading and coming to programs, but also by giving back to the community,” says Ziminsky. “We’re partnering with the Ben Curtis Family Foundation for our ‘Be a Hero: Donate!’ program.” Bring sample-sized toiletries to the Information Desk, and through the Ben Curtis Family Foundation, they will be given to children in need in our community.

For more information about the Summer Reading Program or to view the complete schedule of events, visit www.kentfreelibrary.org or stop by the library for a flier.

Visit the Summer Reading Program page for more information and watch Children’s Upcoming Events or Adult Upcoming Events for details about our many programs.