ADAMS, Mass. Adams Free Library will begin their Summer Reading Challenge that will run from June 14 to Aug. 16.

 

Sign-up for the program begins Monday, June 14. This year's theme, "Tails and Tales" celebrates animals.

 

Children of all ages are invited to participate. The program utilizes the Beanstack software or app. On or after June 14, readers can go to www.adamslibraryma.beanstack.org to create an account if they don't already have one. Adults may register an account to add additional family members.

 

Readers will choose either number of books read or timed reading for logging. Once sign-up is completed, participants will be able to log reading to earn virtual badges and tickets for a real prize basket. 

 

Paper logs are available if preferred, please contact the library. Although this year's theme is "Tails and Tales," everyone may read whatever they like, and may sign up at any time.

 

The goal for this year's children's challenge is to read 20 books (or for 400 minutes) and attend three library events. Participants will unlock virtual badges, and earn two virtual tickets for every five books (or every 100 minutes.), and two tickets for each event attended. 

 

Tickets are for chances for a prize drawing. There are two baskets for each of four age groups: 2-3, 4-7, 8-12, and 13-17. Raffle baskets and prizes are provided by the Friends of the Adams Free Library and will be displayed in the children's area of the library. Winning tickets will be drawn at the end of the program and announced on August 19. The deadline for submitting tickets in the Beanstack software is 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 16.

 

Visit the library's web site www.adamslibraryma.org for more information and the calendar with planned events, all of which will be held outdoors at the Adams Council on Aging, 3 Hoosac Street in Adams. Separate registration is required for each event.

 

"Tails and Tales" is sponsored by the Adams Free Library, the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Cultural Council of Northern Berkshire, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Additional funding provided by the Friends of the Adams Free Library.

 

Library events are free and open to the public. An adult must accompany children under 8 years of age. Attendance at library programs constitutes consent to be photographed; photos may be used in print or electronic publicity for the Adams Free Library.