DeKalb Public Library’s Summer Reading Program starts Monday June 1 and ends August 7. It’s for all ages, but what is it and how does it work for teens? Read on to find out!
What is the Summer Reading Program?
It’s a library program where you can earn prizes just for reading! Teen Summer Reading is for tweens and teens entering grades 6-12. Every 10 hours you read, you earn a prize.
What if I don’t like to read?
Give it another shot (you are interested enough in reading to be reading this post)! Summer Reading is the perfect time to try something new. Manga, comics, picture books, novels, biographies, audio books, and more all count towards your hours. If you didn’t like what you had to read for school, Teen Services staff are here to help you find something different.
Do I have to do all my reading at the library?
No, you can earn hours by reading in the library, at home, at the park, on vacation, or anywhere else you feel the desire to pick up a book. You can read library books, your own books, books from other libraries, your friend’s books, your sibling’s books, or any books you can get your hands on!
What are the prizes?
We have over 20 sponsors providing different prizes. You’ll receive a different prize pack (and a free book to keep) for every 10 hours you read up to 50. The Grand Prizes are from Corn Fest and Fargo Skateboarding. For every 10 hours you read you’ll receive a raffle entry for a free Corn Fest megaband, which allows you unlimited rides at Corn Fest, or a free skateboard from Fargo. You can earn up to 5 entries to use for either or both prizes.
What if I don’t read for 10 hours?
Sign up anyways! You’ll get a small prize just for registering. If you read during any given week, you will be entered into that week’s drawing to win a free, large, one-topping pizza from Vinny’s or Little Caesar’s. If you register on June 1, you’ll have 68 days to read 10 hours, which is less than 10 minutes a day.
Can I read more than 10 hours?
Yes! You can keep earning prizes (and Grand Prize entries) for up to 50 hours of reading. If you want to continue reading past 50 hours, you can earn additional prizes.
What if I’m not able to register on June 1?
You can register any time between June 1 and August 6. Even if you don’t register until July 1, you’ll still be able to reach 10 hours by reading less than 20 minutes a day. The sooner you register, the more time you’ll have to read and earn prizes.
How much does it cost?
Nothing! You can even register even if you don’t have a DeKalb Public Library card, but it’s also free to get a library card if you live in DeKalb.
How do I sign up?
Starting June 1, you can sign up in the Teen Room or using the Beanstack website. You can also download a Teen Summer Reading log.
Do you have more questions? The Teen Services staff is happy to help! We can also help you find books to build up your Summer Reading hours. You can use your free DKPL library card to check out physical copies of books or other materials (including video games and DVDs) at our library. Many books can also be downloaded to your phone, tablet, or computer as e-books or audiobooks. Stop by the Teen Room with any questions or contact the Teen Services Staff at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2450 or by email at [email protected].