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Every hero has a story in Naperville library's summer reading program

Heroes will have a new place to fly as Naperville Public Library invites readers of all ages to sign up for its summer reading program, Every Hero Has a Story.

The superhero-themed reading program runs through Aug. 31.

"Superheroes have always had their niche, but they've become even more prevalent in the last few years," said Christi Hawn, adult services librarian. "With the new 'Avengers' movie having come out recently, the popularity of superheroes is at a particular high. As comic book fans ourselves, we are excited to share that passion with other fans of all ages. Everyone loves a superhero."

This year, the reading program will run nearly a month longer than previous years and no library card is required to participate. The all-ages program will encourage readers with incentives and prizes so they keep turning pages throughout summer.

Each participant can visit the library to pick up a reading log or print one from the library's website, www.naperville-lib.org.

For kids

Children 3 through those entering fifth grade can set their own reading goals and prizes will be awarded each month the goal is met. For every 15 days spent reading, the child may visit the library and spin the Wheel of Reading to add a sticker to the library's super reader display.

Kids can earn a coupon and a chance at the grand prize drawing. Prizes include a book of the reader's choice after 30 days of reading, a super reader window cling after 60 days and a movie ticket to Ogden 6 Theatre after 75 days.

The first day to redeem a prize is June 16.

"This year's summer reading program focuses on daily reading, which is fundamental in preventing the summer slide," said Stephanie Rivera, children's services supervisor. "Children who don't read over the summer can lose up to three months of reading skills, which can affect long-term academic achievement."

For teens and adults

Teens and adults are not only encouraged to read as part of the program, but they also are encouraged to complete a library activity like downloading free music using the library's downloadable music service Freegal, signing up for the library's monthly online newsletter or following the library on Facebook and Twitter.

Teens and adults can bring their reading log back to the library when the indicated reading and activity missions are completed to collect a prize. Participants will automatically be entered into a weekly drawing after completing each mission.

"Each week, the adult and teen participants will have a chance to win an Amazon gift card, as well as reading and doing activities to win other prizes," said Alison Colman, teen services librarian.

"The activities at each level of the program are to encourage participants to learn more about what the library has to offer in programming, social media and more.

"The most popular prize level is the free book level. We have purchased new books for teens and adults that they can choose from. There are classics, series, cookbooks, popular fiction, popular nonfiction and more."

For babies

The library's reading program also has incentives for parents to practice early literacy activities with their babies. For ages 35 months and younger, The Rubber Ducky Club helps parents get into the habit of reading with their child, having fun and learning new ways to encourage early literacy.

Parents can get their child started on this pre-reader program by working on a reading log, available at the library or online, that contains 12 suggested early literacy activities. After completing these activities together, the child will be eligible for prizes.

Superheroes

In conjunction with this year's superhero-themed Summer Reading Program, several programs dedicated to all things heroic will take place throughout the summer. Kids can join magician Tim Glander as he combines magic with a variety of heroes from history and the comic book world during two programs Saturday, June 6, at 95th Street Library.

Cartoonist Paul Merklein also will wow kids with his comic book drawings during two programs Saturday, June 20, at Naper Blvd. Library.

Kids also can participate in an Everyday Heroes Contest, which will run through Wednesday, July 15, that will allow youngsters to honor their favorite, everyday heroes.

Teens can get inspired to write this summer as they enter the Superhero Writing and Drawing Contest, which will run through Friday, July 31.

To kick off the summer, teens can dress in superhero or villain garb and then join others during a teen dance Friday, June 12, at the Riverwalk Amphitheater.

Other superhero-focused programs for teens include a class about how to draw superheroes Tuesday, June 16, as well as two programs showing teens how to create a personalized cape Wednesday, June 24, at Nichols Library and Thursday, July 9, at Naper Blvd. Library.

On Thursday, July 30, teens can participate in the Superhero Training Academy that will include a series of physical and mental challenges to test each brave teen's strength.

"Reading for fun can be done all year long, and we want to stress that," Colman said. "It's important for teens to keep up on their reading throughout the summer because it will help them become lifelong readers, and it's an easy way to stay in school mode without having to read or write for a grade."

For more information or to print a reading log online, go to bit.ly/NPLSRP2015.

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