This summer, Warren County teens will get the chance to read their way to riches.
Warren Public Library's 2012 Teen Summer Reading Program kicked off Monday and is holding registration until June 25.
The program, now in its tenth year, is designed for participants between 13 and 19 years of age, according to Adult Services Librarian Sharon Gage, but is open to those who have completed the fourth grade.
Between now and July 25, teens can complete log sheets for books they've borrowed from any public library in Warren County or from the library district's digital collection through the OverDrive program. Teens can record information about the books they read on the log sheet, including the number of pages they have read. At the end of each week, the sheets are turned in and the reader is entered into a weekly gift card drawing. Library staff will keep a running total of total page count and cash prizes of $100, $75, $50 and $25 will be awarded to the four teens with the highest page counts. Log sheets are due by 5 p.m. each Saturday.
Audiobook users can use the print version of a title's page count for the log sheets.
According to Gage, teens looking for new titles to try can utilize information sheets in the library's teen room. The sheets list titles that may be of special interest or that may be similar to something a teen has already read.
Craft activities will be available throughout the summer to accompany the program, but are not required as part of the reading contest. According to a library flyer, craft activities will be open to adults, teens and "tweens" (aged 10 to 12) accompanied by an adult. Craft events require pre-registration and may have enrollment limits. Some activities require purchase of materials to participate. All activities are to be held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Slater Room at the library. Craft activities include: safety pin bracelets on July 11, scarves on July 18, braided beaded necklace or bracelet on July 25 and embroidery cards on Aug. 1.
Gage noted adult reading events are planned for the winter months.
"We encourage everyone adults, teens and children to spend some time this summer with a book," Gage said. "Perhaps in e-book format, audio format or in print format and share the enjoyment of reading with those you meet."