80 kids sign up for Carnegie summer reading program

IRONWOOD - At least 80 children signed up for the "On your mark, Get set ... Read" summer program Thursday afternoon at the Ironwood Carnegie Library.

Assistant library director Lynne Wiercinski said a record number of children came to the library to pick up their reading logs and start reading "awesome" books.

Wiercinski said the program's theme encourages kids to live a healthy lifestyle and is fun for everyone.

The logs were accompanied with a jump rope and a pedometer.

At the kick-off event, children played games, decorated a water bottle holder to take home and had refreshments.

Wiercinski said the reading program divides kids into three groups based on their age and reading level.

The "read with me" group is for beginning readers. The "independent readers" group is for kids 12 and under.

The third group is for teenagers. She said 12-year-olds can also sign up for that reading level.

At the end of the reading program, children can win prizes.

Wiercinski said the library began developing the program in January. She said the idea is to help students avoid a slide in academic skills.

The program will include story time, visits from the Michigan Science Center and the annual Fancy Nancy Tea Party.

For more information, log on to the library's website at uproc.lib.mi.us/ironwood.