This month marked the launch of the Adult Summer Reading Program, “A Universe of Stories.” If you have always participated in our summer activities, then you already know how much fun you can have with it. But if this is the first time you’ve heard that we have reading programs for the adults too, then you are in for some fun new reading adventures.

Starting now until August 15, you can win prizes for every three books you read or listen to as audiobooks. We can help you register in person at Information & Reference or you can visit us online at https://www.ecpubliclibrary.info/universe/. After you register for the program, visit us on the 2nd floor of the library to pick up your Reading Rocket entry slips. You may also print them from home here. Once you complete your three books, come and spin the wheel to win a free book, chocolate, or a small prize! All completed reading slips will be entered into the final prize drawings. You may fill out a new entry slip for every three books you finish.

For more otherworldly fun and chances to win, participate in the monthly “Guess the Book” challenges, and “Alien Hunter” weekly trivia games. Your Alien Hunter Badge is waiting! To celebrate all your summer reading accomplishments, join us for a Landing Party on Thursday, August 15 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. There will be door prizes, snacks, games, and a DJ.

If you are looking for even more ways to win, consider taking on the 2019 Diversity Challenge. The best part of all this great library programming? You can read the same books for both the Diversity Challenge and the Adult Summer Reading Program. The Diversity Challenge offers you the opportunity to dive into reading and win prizes along the way. Each month, you must read a book from one of the twelve categories. After you register online, visit us at Information & Reference for your FREE reading journal.

It’s not just a way for us to keep track of your progress but it also contains reading inspiration for each book category and is a convenient place to keep track of your thoughts about the new books you will discover. Once you finish your book, visit us before the last day of each month and you will be entered to win $10 in Chamber Buy Local Bucks. When you complete all twelve categories you will get an automatic free book of your choice and be entered into a drawing for the grand prize: a new Kindle Fire.

I have heard from several participants that through this challenge they have broadened what they are reading and discovered books that they never would have thought to read before. Now is a great time to take up the challenge. You may not read ahead, but you can catch up.

Share with us what you’ve discovered on your reading adventures this summer and beyond.