Summer is here and the Edmonton Public Library (EPL) is ready to reward bookworms of all ages with exciting contests. Prizes range from curated book gift baskets to gift cards for local shops and even a private group cooking class. Kids who register for the program will also receive two general admission tickets to K-Days while supplies last.
The summer reading programs run from June 22 to August 24, offering opportunities for everyone to dive into the world of books. Kids 12 and under can participate by reading for six hours and tracking their progress. Every six hours of reading earns them an entry into the grand prize draw. They can track their reading on paper using a reading log available at EPL branches or online for those who can’t visit a branch.
Weekly book prizes are also up for grabs, along with three grand prizes. These include a Nintendo Switch OLED – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Bundle, ThinkFun Escape the Room and Chris Hadfield’s autographed book – The Darkest Dark, and ThinkFun Laser Maze and Lego Gear Bots and Gadgets. Library assistant Michelle Truong emphasizes the importance of encouraging children to read throughout the summer to prevent the ‘summer slide’, which refers to the potential loss of reading skills during the school break.
Teens and adults aren’t left out of the reading fun. The EPL also runs Summer Starts reading contests for these age groups. Adults, whether they have children participating in the program or simply looking to foster their own love of reading, are welcome to join.
Every seven hours of reading and two completed activities earns participants another prize entry. The grand prize for teens and adults is a private kitchen lesson within the Stanley A. Milner Library’s teaching kitchen. This exclusive experience for up to 12 people offers a chance to learn new culinary skills and enjoy it with friends. Other prizes include signed copies of books from former EPL speakers and gift cards to local businesses like Doughnut Party.
Participants can track their reading progress by picking up a Summer Reads ’24 tracking sheet at any EPL location or downloading a copy online. Completed activity sheets can be brought back to an EPL branch for a chance to win. Alternatively, individuals can register online with their library card number and PIN to track their reading hours and completed activities. Each seven hours of reading and two completed activities automatically earns an entry into the prize draw.
The EPL has also created a special program for daycares and day homes to encourage young children, especially those five and under, to experience the joys of reading. Kids can track their progress by colouring sections of a poster. Once they complete the poster, representing four hours of reading, they can submit it to enter the prize draw. The grand prize for a winning childcare centre is a bundle of librarian-curated books.
Community librarian Heather McMullin emphasizes the importance of balancing screen time with print reading, highlighting the formative and positive impact of print books on children’s development. Daycare and day home operators interested in participating can download the reading tracker poster online at EPL’s website under the ‘services for educators’ section or pick some up at an EPL branch.
With its diverse range of contests and engaging activities, the Edmonton Public Library is encouraging everyone to embrace the joys of reading this summer.
