"Libraries Rock" Summer Reading challenges are in full swing at all Rock Island Public Library locations, and since the program runs until July 21, there's still time to join the reading band!

Summer Reading challenges were originally created by libraries in the early 20th century to reduce summer learning loss in children, sometimes called the summer slide. Because reading rocks at any age, they've since been extended to include challenges for teens and adults, too.

"We emphasize reading for fun over the summer, both as a break from required academic or professional reading, and because kids are more likely to read when it's a high-interest book of their choice," said Lisa Lockheart, library publicity and outreach spokesperson.

There's also a serious side, though. "Studies from Dominican University show that children and teens who participate in Summer Reading programs and read just six books score higher in reading and math when they return to school. For adults, summer reading challenges are a way to both relax with a book and keep your mind active and stimulated. Reading really does rock at any age," she added.

To participate, people can register online by going to the Beanstack logo on the library's homepage at www.rockislandlibrary.org, or participate with paper forms. Online registrants can create or update a Beanstack account to get started, and also download the new Beanstack Reading Tracker. The app allows patrons to effortlessly scan books or measure time spent reading. Online participants earn virtual badges and the same prizes as readers in the paper-based challenge. The program will notify entrants when they've won a prize, and instruct winners to pick it up at any Rock Island Library.

To participate on paper, just visit any Rock Island Public Library and pick up a paper log for children (Read-to-me ages to 6th grades), teens (ages 12 to 18) and adults (ages 19 and up.) Participants in the children's program may choose to track their reading by books or by minutes. For all ages, the library awards small incentives when goals for  are reached.

For all Rock Island Library programs, books read in print, electronic readers, and via audio all count toward goal totals. Libraries Rock summer reading challenges and events for all ages run from June 1 to July 21, 2018 at all Rock Island Library locations

Rock Island Library is also one of several community partners promoting the Rock Town Reads campaign, which encourages readers of all ages to Show Us Your Book, on social media, use the #rocktownreads hashtag, and in doing so, promote the value of reading. 

For details about the more than 95 events offered this summer at Rock Island Library locations, pick up a Summer Guide, visit the library website or call 309-732-READ.