I am proud to be a Greenfield resident once again. When people relocate, they probably have several things on their to do list, such as open a new bank account, look for a local dentist, or update their address on their driver’s license. My priority? Get a library card!

This is (for me) like other people getting a passport—it enables me to go places. And it costs a whole lot less, not to mention I can walk or bike there. I also get to check out that awesome horned owl in the children’s section.

One way to share my enthusiasm for all things library is to encourage everyone to get involved in the Summer Reading Club. If you think it’s just for kids then you are misinformed. There are categories for teens and adults too.

The title of this summer’s program is Build A Better World. I’d like to think that’s what happens when people read more. They learn, grow, and think. They discuss, share, and educate. They put down the remote, video game, and phone.

The full club guidelines can be found on the Hancock County Public Library website (www.hcplibrary.org). The gist is that kids keep track of the number of minutes read per day; teens and adults log number of books read. The more you read, the more entries you have in your name, because:

The crowning glory of this whole program is that you can win stuff! Like gift cards with actual monetary value, from generous local sponsors. So I can potentially earn financial compensation just for reading? Sign me up! (As you might imagine, I already have.)

The contest runs from June 1st to July 31st. Two months to commit to increasing your reading. You might think this isn’t a very summer-y type activity but you can string up that hammock and kick back with some lemonade and a book.
I’ll see you at the library!