Livermore Public Library Launches Summer Reading Program, Events

LIVERMORE, CA — The Livermore Public Library is launching its annual summer reading program with an ambitious goal in mind and is challenging readers of all ages to help accumulate 500,000 minutes of reading time over the summer beginning on June 1.

The challenge is part of a themed reading program, Reading Colors Your World”, which will offer prizes for various age groups and that will set out to accomplish the goal of reaching the half million-minute mark by Aug. 12. The summer reading program is free and open to readers of all ages who can chart their progress either online or on the library’s mobile app or through an in-person chart that will tabulate participant’s progress throughout the summer.

Participants can begin pre-registering now for the summer program and will be able to start moving toward the goal next week.

Prizes will be awarded in the same manner regardless of the age of participants. The first level of prize will be awarded after three hours of reading before the next level is earned after nine hours and the grand prize can be obtained after obtaining eight badges representing a combination of eight reading and activity badges.

Any reader in a home may help either pre-readers or babies and prizes include sidewalk chalk or Play Doh. Those who complete the reading challenge will be given a free book and a reading ribbon. The American Library Association has determined that reading to a child as little as 15 minutes a day helps with brain development and that reading together helps children develop vocabulary skills.

Young readers up to the sixth grade will earn prizes including a color scratch bookmark and a science or art kit. Readers in this age group who complete their reading challenge will receive a medal and a free book. A university study has shown that school-age students who participate in summer reading programs and read a minimum of six books over the summer score higher in math and reading once they return to the classroom.

Students between grades 6-12 will receive a set of colored pencils after reading three hours and those who complete nine hours of reading will be entered into a drawing for a free book of their choice. Teens who complete eight badges will receive a free coloring book while those who earn an entire set of badges will be entered to win a $50 shopping opportunity.

Adults ages 18 and up are also encouraged to participate in the summer reading program. Participants who earn eight or more badges will be placed into a drawing for a chance to receive a $50 gift certificate for local restaurants and businesses along with other prizes.

The reading program will also include a variety of summer activities including Zoom events, virtual concerts, and theater performances as well as an in-person botany walk along the Arroyo Bike Trail.

More information about the summer reading program may be found at the library’s website.