BY MATT MACKINDER
Clarkston News Editor

Just because school ends this week for the 2020-21 school year, kids don’t need to stop reading. tThe Clarkston Independence District Library has a program to keep kids reading.
The library’s Summer Reading Challenge, presented by Bowman Chevrolet, runs June 12 to August 14.
“This is one of the biggest projects we do each year,” said CIDL Director Julie Meredith. “It’s a fun way to help kids maintain and improve this crucial skill over summer vacation. We’re thrilled to have the support of Bowman Chevrolet, Vibe Credit Union, and the Friends of the Library to help us make this program exciting for all ages and encourage families to read together all summer long.
“Reading is all around us, and it counts toward the challenge. Listening to an audiobook together on a road trip, checking out an article about a favorite athlete, or reading the signs describing the animals at the zoo are all summer reading opportunities that should not be overlooked. This is a community-wide challenge for all ages because there’s nothing better than seeing their family, friends and neighbors reading to get kids reading, too.”
With $3,600 worth of prizes thanks to the support of Vibe Credit Union, children and teens through high school can participate to build literacy skills or fight that educational “summer slide” that can hamper some kids.
“They can participate by registering on June 12 and then reading (or being read to), and have a blast working their way through challenges that will give them even more opportunities to win one of 36 fantastic prize baskets,” said Manda Carr, the library’s head of children’s and teen services. “All participants will be able to pick out a free book at the end of summer.”
Interested? Sign up online at cidlibrary.org or in person. Registration for weekly events will open soon, so check CIDL’s online event calendar, and make sure to check out other events as well:
Monday, June 28, 6 p.m. – Leonardo Music (CIDL lawn)
Monday, July 12, 6 p.m. – Scheer Genius Wacky Science
Monday, July 19, 6 p.m. – Magic Workshop with AZ Magic
Monday, July 26, 6 p.m. – Rufus the Dufus Juggling
Saturday, August 14 – Summer Reading Finale with Animal Magic!
In addition, the library will also host an adult summer reading challenge.
The 2021 Adult Summer Reading Bingo Challenge is bigger than ever with more prizes and more chances to win, according to Evan Smale, CIDL’s head of adult services.
Beginning June 12, adults can complete a row of challenges (vertically, horizontally, or diagonally) and submit it to the library to be entered to win prizes that include $50 gift cards from Amazon, Starbucks, and Barnes & Noble.
One entry will also be selected as a grand prize winner to receive a Kindle Fire HD 10.
In addition to the regular bingo, participants also have the chance to participate in the library’s new BIPOC Bingo to learn more about black, indigenous, and people of color by completing this challenge and entering to win from $400 worth of prizes that support BIPOC businesses and authors.
Completed forms for BIPOC Bingo are due by August 13.