The Metropolitan Library System reached record-breaking numbers for Summer Reading– reaching their goal weeks before the conclusion of the program.

Almost 26,000 readers participated in the annual Summer Reading program, a 12 percent increase over last year’s summer reading program -and there is still two weeks left to participate. Adult participation is 65 percent higher. The children’s program has had a 63 percent bump in 10-hour goal completions and a 148 percent bump in 20-hour goal completions. Each goal is to read 10 hours, which is the equivalent of reading 20 minutes per day. Participants earn prizes for each ten hours completed up to 30 total hours.

Children, teens and adults have the opportunity to earn prizes while they read for fun and promote the importance of reading in our communities. Participants can earn digital badges, fine waivers, books, tote bags and cellphone accessories. There will also be prize drawings for Kindle Fires and iPads for qualified readers. 

Participants may back-date minutes of reading time as far back as June 1. Minutes must be logged by the conclusion of the program, July 31. Prizes must be picked up by Aug. 15. Fine waivers are valid through Dec. 31.

Participants can also select to donate their fine waivers and prize books to someone in need. This year the summer reading, Read it Forward program, will donate books to local non- profit organizations including Citizens Caring for Children, Faithworks of the Inner City, Mary Mahoney Memorial Health Center and Sisu Youth Services. All Summer Reading book prizes are sponsored by the Friends of the Metropolitan Library System. 

Studies show that on average students lose approximately two months of reading achievement if they do not continue to read and learn during the summer, causing lower scores on standardized tests. These months of learning loss accumulate, causing students to lose as much as two years’ worth of reading achievement by sixth grade. 

To learn more about Summer Reading or to register online visit:  www.metrolibrary.org/summerreading