The Rochester Hills Public Library (RHPL) will kick-off its online summer reading program on Saturday, June 6. This annual event will be different this year due to the ongoing pandemic but will be as engaging as ever by bringing the thrill of reading directly to library patrons sheltering in place.
“Library@Home: Summer Reading 2020” is part of RHPL’s virtual public library model, in place since mid-March and in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As summer reading begins, the library will continue to plan for a full reopening in phases and as federal, state, and local officials recommend.
“One of our main priorities for the current season is to build resilience and reflection in our community,” said Juliane Morian, library director. “Reading not only builds vocabulary and stretches brain capacity, but, more importantly, it helps readers form new connections and develop empathy.”
Library cardholders of all ages may participate in “Library@Home: Summer Reading 2020” on June 6 for a registration code. The code can be used to create an account with the ReaderZone mobile app or online. The app may be downloaded for both iPhone and Android.
Summer readers are encouraged to read every day, including articles, books, eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines, and record their progress on the ReaderZone app or website. Prizes will be awarded for signing up and for reading through September 9. All participants will receive a free book at the end of the program.
To help bring the Rochester area community together during this time of physical distance, RHPL will track the time spent reading across the community and provide statistics later in the summer. The challenge will be to see how many summer readers engage with the library and are actively enjoying the online summer reading program.
Additionally, patrons are encouraged to visit a list of the library’s online resources, including eBooks and audiobooks, to connect with an RHPL librarian, or to find reading recommendations.