Libraries across Northern Virginia have launched summer reading challenges, designed to encourage people of all ages to embrace the fun of reading and keep the summer slide at bay. To make it even more fun, the libraries have partnered with the Washington Nationals to offer readers an exciting prize. As part of its Team that Reads initiative, the Nationals will provide two complimentary tickets to a regular season home game to any reader who completes the challenge.
The challenges ask readers to log a certain amount of time spent reading, and some even offer points for completing other fun challenges. Participants just need to check out their libraries’ challenges and get reading. A summer of literary fun awaits!
Alexandria Library
Join in on Alexandria Library’s SummerQuest reading challenge. Participants can sign up either through an app called Beanstack, which will help them log their progress, or by visiting the library, where they’ll get a reading log catered to their age group.
There are age groups for children who are kindergarten age and younger; first through fifth graders; sixth through 12th graders; and adults 18 and up. Participants will earn points for books they completed and reading sessions of 20–30 minutes, as well as for activities, such as reading outside or attending a library event. When they’ve completed the necessary number of points for their age group, they can pick up their prizes at any Alexandria library location.
The deadline to complete Alexandria’s challenge is August 31.
Arlington Public Library
Participants can read for any 30 days until September 1 and log their time either in the Arlington Public Library app or on a paper reading log to be returned to the library. No reading session is too long or too short – any time spent reading counts.
In addition to a voucher for the Nationals Game, participants who complete the challenge can receive a free book or coupon from a Friends of the Library bookstore. The Friends of the Arlington Public Library will donate $1 to Educational Theatre Company for every person who completes the Summer Reading Program.
For truly voracious readers, those who have already completed the challenge can tackle bonus challenges that include writing a letter or talking to a librarian. Once they’ve completed three bonus challenges, they’re eligible for an extra prize.
The deadline to register for Arlington’s challenge is September 1 (entries can be backdated), and the last day to pick up prizes is September 5.
Fairfax County Public Library
Fairfax County uses Beanstack to help readers track their progress. Reading goals are broken down by age: Youth to second grade can log 15 books or 20-minute reading sessions, kids third through sixth grade can log 10 books or 20-minute reading sessions, and adults can log 10 books or 30-minute reading sessions. Attending library programs and other activities also count toward the goal.
Other prizes that participants could win include tickets to the Alden Theatre or Wolf Trap, a free book of up to $10 value from Scrawl Books, and treats from River-Sea Chocolate Factory, Rita’s Italian Ice, and Domino’s Pizza. Prizes vary by age category.
The deadline to complete Fairfax’s challenge is August 18.
Loudoun County Public Library
Loudoun County’s Summer Reading Challenge’s theme this year is Voyage Through Time. Participants will need to complete challenges, log the books they read, and attend library events to earn points.
Challenges vary based on age range. Pre-reader challenges include identifying shapes in the library and looking at picture books. Elementary challenges include writing in a journal and reading a biography of a famous person. Teen challenges include reading a book written before 1900 and listening to an audiobook. Adult challenges include attending a book club and reading a book outside their comfort zone.
Once they’ve earned 10 points, participants can turn in their challenge card to get a free book, Nationals tickets, and their name will be entered in a drawing to win a grand prize.
The deadline to complete Loudoun’s challenge is August 14.
Outside of Northern Virginia, the Nationals partnered with the DC Public Library, the Montgomery County Public Library, and Prince George’s County Memorial Library.
Feature image courtesy the Washington Nationals
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