Looking for a fun activity to participate in this summer? The Ypsilanti District Library is hosting the Summer Challenge for book lovers.
The challenge started June 6 and continues through August 23. It is open to kids and adults, whether they adore reading, want to learn more or are up for a challenge this summer.
"Anyone can sign up to participate, no matter their age or if they have a library card in our district," Jodi Krahnke, head of youth services at the YDL, said in a written statement. "They sign up at ypsilibrary.org/summer, or they can download a free app called ReadSquared and sign up there."
Krahnke added that once the participant has an account, they can log their reading activities between June 6 and August 23. For those who have been a part of the Summer Challenge in the past, their accounts can be reactivated.
Each activity a participant completes will award them with a digital badge, which leads to prizes.
There are three types of activities participants can do:
- Reading and listening to books
- Finding secret codes on signs at library events
- Completing challenges that encourage participants to explore library resources and free events around the district
Krahnke wrote that kids and teens get a day pass to Rutherford Pool when they sign up. Adults get to pick something from a swag bin when they sign up. Those who are 55 years or older get a tote bag and a water bottle when they sign up thanks to a Moving Together grant from Molina Healthcare.
"Everyone who completes at least 10 activities gets a prize," Krahnke said in a written statement. "Kids and teens get a book, thanks to Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor and Believe in Reading, and adults get a small themed prize bag."
Additionally, Krahnke mentioned that youth get to choose something from a treasure chest each time they are awarded 10 points.
Every activity logged by all ages gives other participants the chance to bid on winning grand prize packs donated by businesses and a chance in weekly drawings, Krahnke wrote.
"Our goal is to motivate kids and families to stay engaged with learning all summer so they are better prepared to start back to school in the fall," Krahnke said in a written statement. "That's why in addition to logging book titles, we offer a wide range of programs that we hope will spark interest to learn more."
STEM activities, dance, sports, art and nature play are some of the programs for kids, as well as other activities for adults and teens.
Anyone who is interested in participating in the Summer Challenge can register the YDL website. Those who have questions about the Summer Challenge can contact Jodi Krahnke by email at jodi@ypsilibrary.org.
