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Summer Reading Challenge: Books Grow Minds

Local libraries keep reading a top priority this summer.

By Missy Robertson, Publisher Macaroni Kid Monroe-West Monroe June 6, 2023

The Ouachita Parish Public Libraries are gearing up for a summer of reading fun with a new challenge for kids, teens, and adults. With the help of the Kiwanis of Greater Ouachita, the library system is giving away 10 bikes to kids who complete the challenge.

The challenge is simple: read and log your books! Kids will need to read and log at least 750 pages to be entered for a chance to win one of the bikes. Teens and adults will need to read at least 1500 pages to be entered for a chance to win one of the grand prize packs, which include all kinds of goodies.

This year there are multiple ways to enter the challenge such as completing challenge actions, attending a library program, or voting for your favorite Top 6 Pick. (Details Below)

The challenge runs from June 1st to July 31st, and participants can sign up at any of the Ouachita Parish Public Library branches. The challenge is open to anyone with a library card, so if you don't have one yet, now is a great time to get one!

The library system is excited to offer this challenge to encourage reading over the summer months. Reading is a great way to keep your brain active and engaged, and it can be a fun and relaxing way to pass the time. Plus, with the chance to win a bike or other prizes, it's a great incentive to read even more!

The Kiwanis of Greater Ouachita is proud to support this initiative by donating bikes. The Kiwanis is a community organization that focuses on improving the lives of children and families in the area. Donating the bikes was a way for them to support the library's efforts to encourage reading and help kids stay active over the summer.

Macaroni KID Monroe-West Monroe is also excited about the challenge and wishes everyone lots of luck and happy reading! Macaroni KID is a local resource for families, providing information on local events, activities, and resources for parents and kids. If you haven't subscribed to our FREE weekly e-newsletter this is your opportunity, SUBSCRIBE NOW!

So, if you're looking for a fun and rewarding way to spend your summer, head to the Ouachita Parish Public Library and sign up for the summer reading challenge. You never know, you could be the lucky winner of a new bike or a grand prize pack!


FAQs

What is the summer reading challenge?

Since 1948, the Ouachita Parish Public Library has challenged its patrons to read as much as they can during the summer. What started as a  reading club for children has expanded to a months-long,  themed celebration for all ages. Children, teens, and adults receive fun incentives for reading and completing community challenges.

Who can join the summer reading challenge?

Anyone with a Ouachita Parish Public Library card! There are three age categories for the summer reading challenge, with different page goals, prizes, and programs. Children ages 12 and under can join the  Child Category, teens ages 13-17 can join the Teen Category, and adults  18 and up can join the Adult Category. If you do not have a Ouachita Parish Public Library card, you can apply for a free Library card at any branch. Click here for details on how to get a Library card.

When does the summer reading challenge begin and end?

The 2023 challenge runs from June 1 through July 31.

How do I win prizes?

Win prizes by READING! Prizes are available while supplies last. Log your pages in the summer reading portal.

Kids Prizes

  • 250 pages: certificate of completion, badge book, and a pencil
  • 500 pages: rubber duck and cup
  • 750 pages: book, drawstring bag, and automatic entry into the grand prize bicycle drawings

Teen Prizes

  • 500 pages: drawstring bag and stress ball
  • 1000 pages: tumbler and pen
  • 1500 pages: virtual ticket for entry into the grand prize drawings, book, and a coupon from a local restaurant

Adult Prizes

  • 500 pages: seed paper bookmark
  • 1000 pages: collectible canvas tote bag
  • 1500 pages: virtual ticket for entry into the end-of-summer grand prize drawings

End-of-Summer Grand Prizes

There are four end-of-summer grand prize packs for both teens and  adults which are provided by the Friends of the Ouachita Public Library.  For children, the Kiwanis of Greater Ouachita is donating 10 bicycles  through their Bikes for Books program. These bikes are for the  end-of-summer grand prize drawing for kids who complete the summer  reading challenge. There are multiple ways to enter into the  end-of-summer grand prize drawing:

  • Read! Kids who read 750 pages will be  entered into the grand prize drawings, and teens and adults who read  1500 pages will receive a virtual ticket to enter into their choice of  the four prize pack drawings for their age group.
  • Complete the Challenge Actions! In the summer  reading portal, log that you have completed the three Challenge Actions  under the Activity Badges, and you will have a bonus entry into the  grand prize drawing. The Challenge Actions are: 
    • Grow Nature. Plant something, learn about a plant, visit a garden or farm, or tell us how you appreciate nature!
    • Grow Knowledge. Learn something new, teach something, tell us a fun fact, or tell us how else you grow knowledge!
    • Grow Community. Visit a small business or explore a new  part of your city like a park or museum, make a new friend or connect  with an existing one, join a book club, or tell us about some aspect of  your local, extended, religious, school, online, etc. community!
  • Attend a Library Program. Attend three Library programs at any of our branches.
  • Vote for your favorite Top 6 Pick. For an  additional entry into the end-of-summer grand prize drawings, read at  least 2 of the Top 6 Picks and vote for your favorite book. In the  summer reading portal, click on "Activity Challenges," and click  on "Vote for your favorite Top 6 Picks." After voting, you will receive  the secret code to enter into the summer reading portal.