Summer reading program underway at library

The deadline for registration in the popular Summer Reading Program is set for June 30 at the Irene Ingle Public Library.

This free program, which began June 1 and runs through July 30, is available to students in Kindergarten through Grade 9.

The current incarnation of the program began in the 1998 as a way to encourage the children of Wrangell to dive into the world of reading during their summer vacation.

After reading a book, children will take a retention test on a computer, which is graded and transmitted to the school at the end of the program. For every point the book is worth the students will receive vouchers for cash and prize drawings – and a pool party is planned for all participants who accumulate at least 10 points.

According to library director Kay Jabusch, the program has grown from an informal affair to one that monitors and assists students through technology.

“This is the fourteenth year where we also do testing on kids and their reading level,” Jabusch said. “Before that, we did other types of programs that were limited to just elementary-age children. We can accommodate many other kids with this new program, and we have all their reading records and their logins are easy because we use the school’s computers.”

Students must take their tests at the library.

For more information, call the library at 874-3535.