Patrons of all ages have the opportunity to read more books and win double the prizes when they sign up for the summer reading program at Missouri River Regional Library. This year's program runs Saturday through July 31.
Starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, patrons can sign up for the program that corresponds with their age group.
Youth ages 2-12 have the opportunity to become master readers as they complete family activities and read novels of their choice this summer.
Every youth participant starts at the apprentice level, reading or listening to books of their choice. Depending on their age, they will be required to read anywhere from three to nine hours.
After completing the apprentice level, they will receive a free book along with coupons, bookmarks and stickers, in addition to being entered in a drawing to win items during the summer reading party Aug. 12.
Angie Bayne, MRRL children's services manager, said this is the first time the program has had two levels of competition.
"Not only is the program encouraging the children to read more, but it also gives them the opportunity to win prizes all summer long," Bayne said.
Each participant receives a form to log their hours and activities upon registration.
Participants in the teen department will have similar opportunities to take home prizes after completing 10 hours of reading this summer.
Teens will receive tickets to mark off their hours and can turn those in to be entered in a raffle for a grand prize drawing. Each ticket also gives them the opportunity to win smaller prizes like books, backpacks and water bottles along the way.
Teens who attend three or more library programs throughout the summer will have a second chance to enter the grand prize raffle. The next event is a discussion about the popular Netflix series "13 Reasons Why" and suicide prevention, scheduled June 1.
At the end of the summer, those who have entered the raffle will be eligible to win a Kindle Fire or one of several gift certificates.
"Last year, there were limits on how many hours teens could read during the summer to be eligible for prizes, but this year the opportunities are unlimited," Courtney Waters, MRRL teen services librarian, said.
Adults are also encouraged to participate in the summer reading program.
After reading or listening to four books, lifelong learners who are over age 18 will receive a free book.
Those who complete a total of eight books will receive another free book and will be entered in a raffle to win a variety of gift certificates to local retailers as well as tickets to Scene One Theatre and a ceramic piece from Full Spectrum Photo.