Brighton Library Summer Reading Program Takes Off

After just one week, more than 200 children claimed their free books as part of the "Dream Big: Read" summer reading program, according to children's librarian Margaret Vergith.

The program is for children ages 2-11 and offers reading logs for kids -and parents - to track summer reading. After reading for seven consecutive days, kids can bring their logs into the library for a prize and a free gently used book.

"Monday was the first day that kids could claim their prizes and free book and we were just swamped," Vergith said. "Most of the prizes and all of the books are donated to the library from local businesses and community members."

Prizes vary from week to week and include bookmarks, glow bracelets, pencils, erasers, and coupons to , and .

The Teen Summer Reading Program features the theme "Own the Night." Teens must read for six days to receive a gently used book, a piece of candy, and one entry into the drawing of his/her choice. Drawings include a Flip Camer, iPod Nano 6th Generation, Amazon Kindle, PSP, and $50 Target gift cards.

The adult program uses a raffle system for prizes. Participants earn raffle tickets by reading or listening to a book, attending library programs, joining the Friends of the Library and following the library on Facebook and Twitter. Prizes include gift cards to , Spa Finder, and . The grand prize will be $150 gift card to Target.

All the programs run from June 11 to Aug. 3. For more information, visit www.brightonlibrary.info.