Danville Public Library recently announced this year’s summer reading challenge will be held June through July, giving readers of all ages two months to log their books, earn prizes, and reap the benefits of a summer of reading.

“Our summer reading challenge is a good chance for readers to explore new worlds while avoiding summer slide,” said Chrislyn Gardner, Youth Services Librarian. “We look forward to the challenge every year. We hope that it provides families with an opportunity to work on something fun together and encourages reading for fun. There is no cost to participate. You do not even need a library card, although we highly recommend you get one.”

This year’s theme is Level Up at Your Library. Although early registration begins May 27, readers can register at any time during the challenge, which will run June 1-July 31. Prizes may be picked up at the Ruby B. Archie Library building, located at 511 Patton Street, any time during the challenge. The grand prize drawing will be held Monday, August. 4.

In order to complete the challenge, readers aged 7 through adult must complete five books, preferably from their reading level, and children 6-and-under must complete 20 books. Readers must also complete four activities, which are designed to encourage exploration of the community, the parks, Danville Riverwalk Trail and/or participation in Library as well as Parks and Recreation programming.

“We did not want to make this challenge too taxing,” said Russell Carter, Library Director. “We know how busy life can be and we did not want to make this another chore. Reading should be enjoyable and fun. As librarians, we believe that if you are not a reader it is because you just have not found the right book…yet. It is my hope that readers of all ages take on this challenge and discover all of the amazing worlds we have right here in this library building.”  Readers who complete the challenge will earn prizes and the opportunity to win one of 12 grand prizes. Three readers from each age category will be selected as a winner.

Last year, 314 readers of all ages participated and logged over 1500 books. Library staff are hoping to see an even bigger number this year.

Adult Services Coordinator Rachel Timm is encouraging the adult crowd to join the fun.

“The Summer Reading Challenge is not just for young readers,” Timm said. “Anyone can participate. Even if you do not want the prizes, logging your books supports your library and helps us reach our community reading goal.”

To make this a user-friendly experience, library staff are offering participants the ability to log their books manually using a paper log available at the library, online at www.readdanvilleva.beanstack.org, or on their phone by downloading the Beanstack app and searching Ruby B. Archie Public Library.

Interested participants can stop by the library any time to register; however, library staff will host the Summer Reading Kickoff Party from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 5 and will be available to assist with registration at that time.

Library staff will host summer reading-themed programming all summer. For a list of library programs or for more information about the reading challenge, visit www.readdanvilleva.org, call 434-799-5195, or visit the library. The library is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Danville Public Library’s Summer Reading Challenge is made possible in part by a donation from the Community Impact Fund of the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region.