The Ouachita Parish Public Library has been promoting summer reading since 1948. What began as a reading club for children has now evolved into a themed celebration for all ages that lasts for months. The library encourages individuals of all ages to read and complete community challenges, offering fun incentives as rewards.
Anyone with a Ouachita Parish Public Library card is eligible to participate in the summer reading challenge. The library has categorized the challenge into three age groups: Child Category for children aged 12 and under, Teen Category for teenagers aged 13-17, and Adult Category for individuals aged 18 and above. Each category has different page goals, prizes, and programs. If you do not have a Ouachita Parish Public Library card, you can apply for a free one at any branch.
The 2023 summer reading challenge will run from June 1 to July 31. Participants can win prizes by logging their pages in the summer reading portal. Prizes are available while supplies last.
The library has set different page goals for each category, and the prizes vary accordingly. Children who read 250 pages will receive a certificate of completion, badge book, and a pencil. Those who read 500 pages will get a rubber duck and cup, and those who read 750 pages will receive a book, drawstring bag, and entry into the grand prize bicycle drawings.
For teenagers, those who read 500 pages will receive a drawstring bag and stress ball. Those who read 1000 pages will get a tumbler and a-maze-ing handheld game, while those who read 1500 pages will receive a virtual ticket for entry into the grand prize drawings, a book, and a coupon from a local restaurant.
Adults who read 500 pages will receive a seed paper bookmark. Those who read 1000 pages will get a collectible canvas tote bag, while those who read 1500 pages will receive a virtual ticket for entry into the end-of-summer grand prize drawings.
There are four end-of-summer grand prize packs for both teenagers and adults, which are provided by the Friends of the Ouachita Public Library. The Kiwanis of Greater Ouachita is donating ten bicycles through their Bikes for Books program for children who complete the summer reading challenge.
Participants can enter into the end-of-summer grand prize drawing in multiple ways. Kids who read 750 pages will be entered into the grand prize drawings, while 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.
Moreover, participants can complete the Challenge Actions to earn bonus entries into the grand prize drawing. The Challenge Actions include growing nature, knowledge, and community. Participants can also attend three library programs at any branch or vote for their favorite Top 6 Picks to earn extra entries.
More information can be found at oplib.org.