Skip to content

Summer reading programs at Moose Jaw Public Library in the works

The Moose Jaw Public Library has revamped its usual summer reading programs to a more distant format this summer
MJPL-virtual-summer-reading
The Moose Jaw Public Library is using a free mobile app called Reader Zone to help facilitate its summer reading programs this year.

The summer reading program at the Moose Jaw Public Library is usually a favourite of patrons of all ages, and so staff are working on adapting the program to a no-contact format to fill the next few months.

This week, the MJPL shared a soft-launch of the children’s and teen summer reading challenge on their Facebook page, inviting readers to join the free mobile app the MJPL is using to facilitate the program.

It's called Reader Zone and, using a specialized code, Moose Jaw readers can register for the summer challenge by downloading the app and making an account.

The app multitasks as both a place that readers can keep track of the books they’ve read and log time spent reading to win awards, and also a portal to borrow books from the Moose Jaw Public Library.

“You can check out ebooks [through the app] and now, residents can also request real books and pick them up [curbside], which I think really is a nice addition to the program,”  said acting assistant head librarian Carolyn Graham.

The app is just the beginning of the program, shared Graham, as the MJPL is also still working on launching additional activities and reading challenges for people to enjoy as well.

Beginning June 29, the MJPL will have games, activities, and specific challenges available for patrons to either pick up via the library’s curbside service or download from the library’s website

Readers who complete the activities and challenges and return them to the library will be entered into prize draws throughout the summer, much like in past summer programs.

The online delivery of the summer reading program will hopefully be an appreciated replacement of the usual in-person version of the program, as Graham has been hearing how much patrons miss the regular programming from the MJPL.

“We've been asked if we'll be having any 'real' programs and at this point, there are nothing planned because it's going to depend a lot on the provincial reopening plan,” said Graham. “If suddenly we were opening to the public again, I think we would pull together some on-site programs, but it's difficult to know right now.”

More information about the reading programs will be released in the coming weeks, said Graham, and the best place to keep an eye on the library is on their Facebook page

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks