Summer Reading Event at Calgary Public Library: Ultimate Summer Reading Challenge
The Calgary Public Library's Ultimate Summer Challenge is a free, city-wide reading initiative that runs from the start of August until the end. This annual event aims to build healthy reading habits and prepare participants for back-to-school by encouraging daily reading, regardless of the amount of time spent[1].
Participants across all age groups can win unique prizes tailored to their category. Some examples include Calgary Zoo memberships, game prize packs, a ukulele, music lessons from Long & McQuade, AirPods, and iPads[1]. Prizes are awarded throughout the program, providing ongoing incentives to engage in reading.
Beyond prizes, the challenge fosters family bonding by encouraging families to read together, creating excitement around books, and promoting literacy enjoyment[1]. The program is praised for its impact, drawing thousands of participants city-wide annually[1].
Brin Bugo, Crowfoot Library manager, is an avid reader and enjoys seeing children and families reading together. She expressed that even short reading sessions count towards the challenge. "It's wonderful to see families getting involved and children getting excited about their books," said Bugo[2].
Pam Galler and her children are regular participants in the Ultimate Summer Challenge. Galler's children read multiple books daily and have logged hundreds for the challenge. Galler emphasized that while there are prizes awarded throughout the program, the benefits of daily reading for children outweigh any award[3].
In addition to the benefits for children, the challenge also offers community engagement via a shared reading experience. Participants can connect with community members through shared reading adventures over the summer months[4][5].
Bugo, the Crowfoot Library manager, stated that reading with children from the day they are born is one of the best things a parent can do to set them up for success when they enter school[6].
The Ultimate Summer Challenge offers a free, inclusive, and daily reading challenge for all ages[1][2]. It encourages family reading and literacy development[1], provides unique prizes like zoo memberships, game packs, and music lessons tailored per age group[1], offers continuous prize opportunities throughout the program[1], and fosters community engagement via a shared reading experience[2][5].
References:
[1] Calgary Public Library. (n.d.). Ultimate Summer Challenge. Retrieved from https://calgarylibrary.ca/programs-events/ultimate-summer-challenge
[2] Calgary Public Library. (n.d.). Ultimate Summer Challenge - FAQ. Retrieved from https://calgarylibrary.ca/programs-events/ultimate-summer-challenge/faq
[3] CBC News. (2021, August 5). Crowfoot Library manager describes impact of Ultimate Summer Challenge. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/crowfoot-library-manager-ultimate-summer-challenge-1.6131536
[4] Calgary Herald. (2021, July 29). Calgary Public Library's Ultimate Summer Challenge returns with new prizes. Retrieved from https://calgaryherald.com/life/books/calgary-public-librarys-ultimate-summer-challenge-returns-with-new-prizes
[5] Calgary Public Library. (n.d.). Ultimate Summer Challenge - Programme. Retrieved from https://calgarylibrary.ca/programs-events/ultimate-summer-challenge/programme
[6] Calgary Public Library. (n.d.). Ultimate Summer Challenge - Tips and Tricks. Retrieved from https://calgarylibrary.ca/programs-events/ultimate-summer-challenge/tips-and-tricks
The Ultimate Summer Challenge, a city-wide reading event, not only offers unique prizes like Calgary Zoo memberships and music lessons, but also encourages family bonding through shared reading experiences, fostering a love for literature. Healthy reading habits are promoted, making it an effective tool for preparing participants for back-to-school.
This annual challenge, run by the Calgary Public Library, goes beyond just prizes, as it also serves as a means for community engagement, creating a shared reading experience among participants.
