Fairfield Library Summer Reading Challenge starts Saturday, June 1

Looking for a party to go to this Saturday? With free food? Fairfield Public Library has you covered.

The Library’s Summer Reading Challenge kicks off Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with their celebratory “kick-off party.” And a party it will be, boasting a bouncy castle, balloon animals, crafting table, free lunch (courtesy of Hy-Vee), and free ice cream for kids who sign up (courtesy of Udderly Epic Desserts).

“It’s sure to be a fun time” said Children’s Librarian Sara Martindale.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Community groups offering summer youth activities will be set up in the meeting room: The Bridge Vacation Bible School, Free Summer Lunch Program, Heartland School Summer Camp, ISU Extension and Outreach, Jefferson County Conservation, MSAE Day Camp, Open Class Jefferson County Fair, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, SIEDA Parents as Teachers, Singing Cedars Day Camp, and Jefferson County Trails Council.

“This is a really good chance for parents to meet youth organizations in here in town that they may not even be aware of” said Martindale, “and a lot of the groups will have activities set up to give you a taste of what they’re offering this summer.”

The Library’s Summer Reading Challenge has been a feature of summer for families in Fairfield, going back to the 1970s.

“It’s all about preventing that ‘Summer Slide’” said Martindale. “The learning loss that happens when students aren’t in their normal school routines. But regular reading can stop that. And that’s the big reason we offer this program.”

The program is open to all ages and folks don’t need to live in Fairfield to participate.

“Sometimes folks are visiting from out of town, staying with Grandma for a week and they sign up and do it. We’ve even had babies complete the summer reading program. Because developing the habit of reading is important at any age,” Martindale said.

Participants in the Summer Reading Challenge can earn cool prizes for each hour they read using the Beanstack app.

“Incentives can help motivate some of the more reluctant readers,” Martindale said. “We want to remind everyone that reading is fun.”