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Paging All readers: Library Has Prizes

Kids, teens and even adults have an extra reason to read this summer. Taking the time to chill with a book on a hot day could lead to fun prizes, from free ice cream to baseball tickets.

It's all part of Fairfield's summer reading program, and librarians Barbara Hawkins and Nicole Scherer hope they can get the whole town involved.

Participation is easier this year because readers can go online to register and list the book they've read, allowing those who go away or can't make it to the library to take part.

"At the elementary ages, if they don't read over the summer, studies show they revert back to previous levels," said Hawkins, the library's head of children's services. "Plus it's fun. We are not limiting choices -- they can read any book."

Scherer, the library's teen librarian, said the summer reading programs give teens something to do on hot, boring summer days.

"Everyone complains about having nothing to do," Scherer said. "They are so busy during the school year, they don't know what to do with the free time. We are providing events you can't get anywhere else."

The theme of this year's program is "Make a Splash, Read," and it has different games for children from tots to third grade, fourth grade to sixth grade, teenagers entering sixth grade and up and even adults 18 and older. With 800 children already enrolled, the librarians hope to reach their goal of including every child in town. At the kids level, every participant earns a prize when they've read a certain number of books read. For older ages, those who play the game will be entered in raffles to win prizes.

Younger kids who read five books get a free meal at Subway, free ice cream and a ticket to Quassy Amusement Park in Middletown. Those who read 10 books (fourth to sixth graders) or 15 books (third grade and younger) will receive tickets to a Bridgeport Bluefish and Sound Tigers game, as well as Bubblemania at Fairfield Ludlowe High School. Teenagers can enter a raffle for a $50 gift card each week, with the main prize a surfboard.

In addition, the library will host many events this summer, beginning with a free summer-reading kickoff concert featuring "Annie and the Natural Wonder Band" on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Lake Mohegan.

While students are not limited in their book choices, the librarians are promoting the Nutmeg Award Books. Scherer said the big book for the summer is "Mockingjay," part of the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins.

For more information on the summer reading programs and events, visit the Fairfield library website.

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