Read Beyond the Beaten Path This Summer at St. Helens Public Library

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2022

St. Helens, Ore. – On June 20, the St. Helens Public Library launched its annual Summer Library Challenge. This year’s theme is Read Beyond the Beaten Path. Participants from birth through adulthood can join in the challenge to complete activities and read their way to a variety of fun prizes.

The Summer Library Challenge is offered from June 20 to August 13, 2022. There are already 308 people participating in the challenge with more than 63,500 reading minutes logged so far.

It’s not too late to register, and you do not have to have a St. Helens library card to participate. There are three age categories for participants: birth to 11 years old, teens (ages 12-17), and adults (ages 18+). Program details can be found on the Library’s website at www.sthelensoregon.gov/library/page/2022-summer-library-challenge. Register for the program at https://sthelens.beanstack.org/reader365 or by visiting the Library (375 S. 18^th Street, St. Helens). You can also call the Library at 503-397-4544 for information about the program.   

Each category for the Summer Library Challenge offers age-appropriate activities, reading challenges, and prizes.

Birth to Age 11

• Read different kinds of books and magazines on your own or with a care giver and log the minutes you read
• Complete activities like going outside to observe the weather, inventing a new sandwich, or reading to someone else
• Prizes include a free book, a backpack, a weekly badge, and weekly chances to spin the prize wheel

Teens (Ages 12-17)

• Earn badges by logging reading time and completing activities
• Receive a backpack, free book, and challenge booklet after signing up for the program
• Weekly drawing for $5 Dutch Bros. gift cards
• Earn tickets toward grand prize drawings. Prizes include a Bluetooth speaker, $100 Powell’s Books gift card, Fuji Instax camera, and Pantheon Comics and Games gift card

Adults (Ages 18+)

• Earn badges by logging reading time
• Weekly drawings for $20 gift cards to local restaurants
• Participate to win one of two grand prize drawing packages: a “Night Out in St. Helens” includes movie and a dinner or “Afternoon of Fun” which includes kayaking on Scappoose Bay and lunch

The Summer Library Challenge is made possible thanks to a grant from the State Library of Oregon, the generosity of local businesses including Oregon Trail Lanes, and by the residents of the City of St. Helens.

The St. Helens Public Library believes in the importance of offering an annual summer reading program for the St. Helens community. Reading to babies and toddlers promotes crucial brain development, assists with language growth, and teaches early literacy skills to establish a strong foundation for success in school and adulthood. Reading during the summer months keeps school-aged youth engaged in learning and encourages them to explore the world around them. For adults, reading helps reduce stress, improve concentration, increase knowledge, and has even been proven to slow the progression of dementia.

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For further information regarding the St. Helens Public Library’s Summer Library Challenge, please contact Library Director Suzanne Bishop at sbishop@sthelensoregon.gov or 503-397-4544.