Summer reading programs have kicked off everywhere this week and I love summer reading programs.

What could be better than something that is fun, has kids earning incentive and keeps them reading all summer?

My kids love the summer reading program and I love that they are excited about reading or being read to, even if there's an incentive attached.

We try to make a big deal about getting a library card as soon as they know how to write their own name. This also means that they are responsible for any fines accumulated due to them. This has definitely helped when it comes to keeping track of the books.

Do you participate in summer reading programs? If not and you're interested, here's all the details:

MELSA {Metropolitan Library Service Agency} which represents the eight large library systems in the metro: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Saint Paul, Scott and Washington Counties is doing Bookawocky this summer. Most resources are available online and tehre are a ton of online resources for kids too. You can sign up at any library and kids will be eligible to earn lots of fun prizes including Minnesota Zoo admission simply by reading or being read to.

Great River Regional Libraries which represents Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd and Wright Counties is doing Experiment with Reading this summer. The program is aimed at kids 0-12 and includes reading, audiobooks and even experiments.

Summer reading programs are FREE and open to anyone so stop in and get your kids signed up today!