Earn prizes for reading this summer

It’s time for those of all ages to start earning prizes for their summer reading.

San Diego city and county library branches are again participating in the summer reading challenge. This year’s theme is Read for the Win.

San Diego County Library’s program started at the beginning of June and continues through Aug. 31. Among the participating branches are 4S Ranch at 10433 Reserve Drive and Poway at 13137 Poway Road.

Participants are to select one of two goals — either reading 10 books or for 10 hours. They are to record their progress online or on a paper reading log so when their goal is met they can submit it to their branch to receive prizes.

Prizes vary by participant’s age and location. Some available items include a light-up ball, flashing paddle ball, sports splat ball, game, infuser water bottle and coupons to select restaurants, museums and theme parks.

Those who want a bigger challenge and to help others can also sign up online for the Read for a Reason program. This year for every child, teen or adult who reads 20 books or for 20 hours, $5 will be donated to the Shelter to Soldier program for the purchase of dog bones and beds. The program brings post-9/11 combat veterans together with trained rescue dogs to help both recover and move forward, according to the program’s website.

To sign up for the county’s reading program, go to sdcl.org or visit any county library branch.

San Diego Public Library’s program at all City of San Diego branches — including Rancho Bernardo at 17110 Bernardo Center Drive — started last week and continues through Aug. 15.

The city’s program also requires reading 10 books (babies, toddlers, pre-readers and kids) or 10 hours of reading (teens and adults). Non-readers can have books read to them since even infants can earn prizes. The age categories are babies and toddlers (ages 0 to 2), pre-readers and kids (ages 3 to 11), teens (ages 12 to 18) and adults. Only some libraries are offering the adult program. They include Rancho Bernardo, Carmel Mountain Ranch and Rancho Penasquitos.

Prizes vary per age in this program as well. Some prizes are given upon registration and the rest upon completion. Prizes include stickers, bookmarks, temporary tattoos, drink bottles, inflatable balls, restaurant coupons plus museum and theme park passes.

Participants can obtain a reading log by visiting a library or going to sandiego.gov/public-library. To receive prizes, the reading log must be recorded online, according to the website.

Both library systems are offering additional free programing throughout the summer in conjunction with the summer reading program. For a schedule, visit the branch libraries or check out their online calendars on their respective websites.