INDIANAPOLIS — More than 20,000 kids, teens, and adults took part in The Indianapolis Public Library’s 102st Summer Reading Program, “Discover,” which ended on July 31. Readers devoted approximately 14 million minutes to learning more about the world around them through reading and exploration while earning prizes generously donated by community sponsors.
The 2021 Summer Reading Program offered both live and virtual event options. This year’s program encouraged participants to not only read books but to take part in activities that allow patrons to explore their interests, connect with others, and learn more about their community. From cooking classes to genealogy workshops, there was something for everyone.
For the second consecutive year, kids kept track of the amount of time spent reading instead of the number of books read. This allowed participants of all reading levels to have an equal opportunity to earn prizes.
Prizes such as books, bags, toys, pool passes, and vouchers to local museums and attractions were earned at milestones of reading for 1 hour, 5 hours, 10 hours, 15 hours, and 20 hours. The program also allowed kids to complete fun and educational activities that entered them into drawing to win an additional Discovery Mystery Bag.
The adult Summer Reading Program allowed participants to earn prizes by completing activities in the three categories: Discover Outside, Discover You, and Discover Something New. Adults earned prizes for tasks including gardening, biking, checking out local art exhibits, exploring genealogy, or reading a book in a new genre. Prizes that were up for grabs included a Meijer gift card and a ghost tour at the Central Library.
