Summer Reading Program gets under way

   “Level Up at Your Library” is the theme of this year’s Summer Reading Program, which kicked off Monday, June 2 at the Monticello Public Library.

   The program runs through July 31. It is designed for all ages.

   There are four age divisions:

   • 0-6, early literacy.

   • 6-11, grade school.

   • 11-18, tweens and teens.

   • 18-and-over, adults.

   Families or individual can sign up for the SRP at any time, either by using the READsquared mobileapp or by stopping in at the library.

   The app allows participants to keep track of the number of minutes they read, or the number of books they read. Ages 0-6 go by books, ages 6-11 go by either books or minutes, and those in the oldest two groups go by minutes.

   Readers earn points, which go toward smaller prizes throughout the duration of the SRP, as well as the grand price drawing held on Aug. 2.

   “They use their points to purchase grand prize tickets for the prizes they want to win,” said Penny Schmit, SRP Coordinator and Director of Youth Services at the library.

   “It makes it nice, because then they can win the things that they want, not just whatever their name gets drawn for.”

   Schmit said the app is helpful for that, but not necessary.

   “If they’re not comfortable using the app, I have a little ticket that they can fill out, here in the library, and they can write down what prizes they want,” she said.

   Some of the grand prizes include a bike and helmet donated by the Jones Regional Medical Center, themed prize packages, Cedar Rapids Kernels baseball tickets, tickets to AirFX Trampoline Park, tickets to the Mississippi River Museum, and more.

   Some of the smaller prizes include a free book, bookmarks, fair admission tickets, museum admission tickets, and more.

   The SRP also includes several family-friendly and unique events throughout the duration, including:

   • Cockatoo Encounter, June 10.

   • Dinosaur Encounter, June 18.

   This event features animatronic dinosaur puppets.

   “Kids will learn a little bit about dinosaurs, and get to interact with them,” Schmit said.

   • ECICOG, June 24.

   • Animal Hide and Seek, by Jones County Conservation, July 1.

   The End of the Summer Reading Bash will be held July 31 at Depot Park, featuring the ever-popular foam blaster, as well as free hot dogs, popcorn and bottled water, sponsored by Ice Cream Island, Friends of the Library and Culligan Total Water, respectively.

   Recurring events through the SRP include:

   • Crafty Mondays, every Monday except during fair week.

   • Lunch Bunch Building on Wednesday, June 11 and 25, and July 9.

   • Summer Story Time, every Friday in June.

   • Events for Teens (in-real-life Super Mario, Battleship and Teen Fortnite; and laser tag). Teen events are open to all middle school and high school youth.

   None of these require pre-registration.

   For more information about the Summer Reading Program, contact the library at 319-465-3354, or stop in, 205 E. Grand St.