Staff reports 6:20 a.m.
Thursday, July 5, 2018 6:20 am
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ROCHESTER - The Rochester Public Library's summer reading program is now under way.
The program features opportunities for kids and adults alike to explore books throughout the summer, with each turn of the page bringing them closer to earning potential prizes.
This summer's Children's Room theme, "polar reading," was chosen by library staff, and the children's area was decorated with penguins, polar bears and a model of Antarctica's McMurdo Station. Throughout the summer, the library's summer reading events will feature events that tie in with the theme.
More than 100 children signed up on the first day of the program, including 25 who obtained their first library card. During the launch of the program, kids checked out 605 books and movies - more than one third of the day's total circulation.
Children participating in the program will set their own reading goals, and will earn small toys as they read and attend the summer's events, including story times, craft programs, the sled dog presentation, wildlife encounters and an end-of summer party.
The young adult program, which is open to kids in grades six through 12, allows participants to qualify for an ice cream coupon for every two hours of reading that they complete. They can also enter a raffle for weekly prizes. The prize for the first week was a set of tickets to the Fisher Cats game on July 5. Both programs run until Aug. 3.
"I'm very impressed by the great turnout we had to begin the program, and I have no doubt that everyone who has signed up will have fun," library Director Brian Sylvester said. "Our staff works hard each year to make summer reading exciting, and they've once again done a great job to make that happen."
Adults may also submit a ticket with each book they read in order to be entered into a raffle to win a summer picnic themed gift basket.