Summer Reading Programs

One of my favorite summer childhood memories involves a stack of books, a reading log and a fun prize at the end of the summer. Yep, a summer reading contest!

Each summer, my grandmother would challenge my sister and me to read as many books as we could, logging each one and keeping track of pages too. She was a voracious reader, always working on a murder mystery book or two, or walking in the door with a stack from the library. We too already loved to read, but the contest inspired us to keep a few more books on our bedside tables.

We made multiple trips to the library, bought books at the mall and swapped with our friends. I poured though Jim Kjelgaard, Madeline L'Engle, Margaurite Henry, Walter Farley, James Howe and a handful of other favorite authors. I spent many evenings and afternoons curled up on the old green couch in the sun room following the lives of my favorite characters.

At the end of each summer, we'd tally up our books. Our grandmother would present us with a big congratulations and we'd each receive a special gift, usually an Esprit bag for the upcoming school year. (Don't knock it. It was the 1990s.)

More than the gift, I remember the process. The books, the reading, the excitement, the drive, the way reading worked its way into a very important role in each of my summers.

Naturally, I want to pass on this fun summer past time to my kids. Thankfully, several local organizations have made it very easy. In fact, there are so many summer reading programs offered in this community we had to limit ourselves.

Natalie and Gavin are taking part in the Moorhead Public Library and Fargo Public Library programs. Both libraries allow kids to double-dip - or count their books for both programs. Sweet! There are prizes along the way for completed readings, as well as a prize (usually a book) upon completion.

Natalie's also reading for the Barnes & Noble program, and we're double-dipping for that one too. After reading 8 books she gets a free first reader. Perfect for more reading!

Jason and I are signed up for the Fargo Library adult reading program too.

Here are a few reading programs you might enjoy:

• Moorhead Public Library
• Fargo Public Library
• Barnes & Noble
• Red River Valley Fair
• Scholastic Books
• Sylvan Learning
• Chuck E' Cheese Pizza

Happy reading!