JMRL Summer Reading Challenge encourages readers to turn pages for prizes

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - The Jefferson Madison Regional Library’s Summer Reading Challenge kicks off next month, working to engage community members of all ages with books.

“The theme is Unearth a Story, which means dinosaurs, paleontology, archaeology, genealogy — there’s going to be something for everyone,” said Megan Smead, children’s services manager at JMRL.

Registration for the ‘Unearth a Story’ reading challenge will get participants a free tote bag, with additional prize opportunities the more minutes they read throughout the summer.

Smead said that last year, the community read over 3 million minutes, and this year the library is bumping that goal to 4 million.

“A daily reading habit is so beneficial for everyone. Of course, for kids, it keeps them in the rhythm of reading and means they’re ready when they go back to school in the fall, but reading has so many benefits,” Smead said. “. It improves your critical thinking skills, it builds empathy., it helps reduce stress, it helps you sleep better — a daily reading habit, even 20 minutes a day, is so helpful for anyone of any age.”

Pre-registration for the Summer Reading Challenge opens on May 26. You can find the link to register here.

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