MONSON – The Monson Free Library is preparing to kick off their annual summer reading program for kids, teens and adults in just under a month. This year’s theme is “Read off the Beaten Path” and the program works to encourage residents of all ages to take advantage of the library and their services.

“We have something going on for all different age groups,” said Hope Bodwell, library director.

The children’s program will kick off on June 14 with crafts, snacks, snow cones and more on the library’s patio. Kids will be able to sign up and get all their reading log paperwork from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. If unable to attend, they are also able to come into the library at any point during the summer and sign up.

Children’s Librarian Denise Newland said that children will be encouraged to read for 20 minutes a day or complete a suggested activity on their reading log.

One popular part of the program that kids can participate in is the “story time on the go” where they go to all different places in town and have story time. Some locations that kids can visit throughout the summer are the police station, the Fire Department and the senior center, according to Newland.

Teens and adults are also able to participate in reading challenges throughout the summer. Interested individuals can come into the library to receive a bingo card with different challenges such as read a travel book, listen to an audio book, read an e-book, watch a travel movie and more. For each challenge they complete they can fill a bingo square and receive a raffle ticket.

At the end of the summer, teens and adults will be able to use their raffle tickets to win prizes donated by the community. These could include gift baskets, gift cards to local restaurants, bluetooth speakers or headphones.

“It’s a fun time. We get a lot of people in the library, they’re really happy, they love to participate. It’s really fun to see all ages get involved,” said Bodwell.

The summer reading program will officially end on Aug. 12 with a finale event. There will be a juggler present, and anybody is welcome to attend. Kids who bring in a completed reading log will be able to receive a yard sign that states, “I’m a super reader!” and a mystery prize.

Newland said that the program is a great way for kids to socialize and learn about the town.

“I think it’s a good, fun way to get engaged over the summer without it feeling like homework. It can build a little bit of structure and things to look forward to in the summertime. To have a reason to come downtown, it can bring you together with other families and kids you may not get to run into otherwise,” she said.

As the program gets closer to beginning, a full list of events and activities will be listed on the library’s website. Those interested in learning more are encouraged to visit https://monsonlibrary.com/.