IRON RIVER — Children and teens to age 18 are invited to participate in the annual six-week Summer Reading program at The West Iron District Library, beginning at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 13.

WIDL joins more than 16,000 libraries across the country to incentivize young readers with prizes for books read, weekly themed crafts, outdoor activities and more.

“Whether you read to your child on your lap or they read independently, local kids and visiting families are encouraged to participate,” said Stephanie Swenski, WIDL director and early literacy coordinator. “Readers who sign up for Summer Reading will enjoy weekly activities around this summer’s theme: ‘All Together Now.'”

WIDL offers the annual program to foster a love of reading in children and help struggling readers catch up before the next school year begins.

But Summer Reading isn’t just about books. Participants receive reading logs and each week those logs are exchanged for “book bucks” that can be used at the end of the six weeks to “buy” a wide variety of toys and games. Every reader will also be entered into grand prize drawings. Families will also enjoy outdoor fun and games each week with a special event from the Michigan Science Center on July 11 called “EUREKA!” that will engage families in activities related to great inventions of our modern times.

In addition to the Summer Reading program, Swenski indicated other activities happen nearly every day at the library.

“We hope our community will come and enjoy all the free resources and programs the library has to offer,” she said. “There are tons of opportunities to make great memories and have fun learning along the way.”

A full calendar of events can be found on westironlib.org, the WIDL Facebook page or picked up from the circulation desk. The WIDL is at 116 W. Genesee St. in Iron River. For more information, call 906-265-2831 or email sswenski@westironlib.org.