The gauntlet has been dropped.

I am entering the Lake Oswego Library’s summer reading program for Adults, LAZINFEST, and challenge you to do the same (signups begin June 1).

For each book you read or listen to, you can fill out a form for a prize drawing. Gift certificates to a local bookshop and coffee shop will be awarded weekly and bi-monthly (you can only win one of each) and all entries will be eligible for the Grand Prize drawing for a stay at the Oregon Coast.

While I love to read, I’m not quite up to the speed of Oregonian columnist Steve Duin’s annual reading contest where last year’s winner blew through 232,357 pages in 845 books (she was only 16 I might add!). But I do take pride in helping transform my once “hate to read” son into a book-lover who just finished Winds of War and War and Remembrance upon my recommendation. The love of reading didn’t kick in until he was about 16 so hang in there parents!

 The Library is providing incentives for your kids to read too.

CHILDREN

Dig Into Reading is the summer reading program for kids from birth to sixth grade. Club members receive a summer reading club bag, sticker, bookmark and a reading record to keep track of their books. When individual reading goals are met, participants may select a new paperback book prize, courtesy of the Friends of the Library along with coupons from local businesses.

TEENS

Teens in grades 7-12 can win prizes for reading this summer too. They’re guaranteed to win something for the first four books they finish.

Book 1: A new paperback book

Book 2: Oaks Park $5 admission coupon

Book 3: Pizza Schmizza coupon for a free slice

Book 4: Redeemable coupon for Portland Trail Blazer ticket and a coupon for free UU Yogurt.

Teens can also earn one raffle ticket for every 100 pages read for additional prizes. Two $20 Bridgeport Village gift cards will be awarded each week beginning June 17 through August 31.

Make it a family affair this summer and sign up for these programs offered by Lake Oswego’s award-winning library.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Here are a few recommendations to get you started if you need them:

The Lost Wife by Alyson Richman–the story of two lovers in pre-war Prague separated by the Nazi invasion.

Defending Jacob by William Landay–a district attorney is torn apart when his son is accused of murdering a fellow student.

Got some good books to recommend? Leave them here to share with readers.

Photo credit:kshelton at pixabay.com