NORTH SHELBY – Summer reading programs at North Shelby Library and Mt Laurel Library are under way.

The programs, themed “Build a Better World,” will include kickoff parties—from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 3, at North Shelby and from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, at Mt Laurel.

The parties will include inflatables, face painting and more.

Numerous events and workshops will be held throughout the summer at both locations. Visit NorthShelbyLibrary.org and MtLaurelLibrary.org for calendars, information about events and registration.

In addition to the children’s summer reading program, there will also be programs for teens (for students entering grades six through 12) and adults.

May 22 was the first day participants could log books into the system, and the last day will be July 20.

Children could receive an extra library dollar for signing up before June 3, and an extra dollar is also available for registering online.

Library dollars can be spent in the “general stores” located at both North Shelby and Mt Laurel.

Items available for purchase will include books, toys, games, candy and more. Larger items require more dollars, and there is no limit to the amount of dollars that can be accumulated.

“All of our prizes vary, and they’re all while supplies last,” Children’s Librarian Savannah Kitchens said.

Library dollars can not be received until June 5, the last day to receive library dollars is Aug. 1 and the last day to spend library dollars is Aug. 8.

Dollars can be spent at either North Shelby Library or Mt Laurel Library.

There will be different items available at the two libraries, and Mt Laurel will hand out its own grand prizes, which will be the same, Mt Laurel Manager Kate Etheredge said.

“The kids who register at Mt Laurel choose Mt Laurel as their primary library and they’re eligible for the grand prizes at that branch,” Etheredge said.

Registration, which will last through July 13, is available at either library or online at NorthShelbyLibrary.org.

Books can be logged on one of the public computers at the libraries or at the website.

Children’s reading goals, depending on age, are: five picture books (recommended for preschool/kindergarten age level), five easy readers (first and second grades), five juvenile non-fiction books (third-fifth grades) or 60 minutes of reading a chapter book.

Each time a reading goal is met, the participant is eligible to receive one library dollar.

Also each time a goal is met, the child reader will be entered for a chance to win one of two grand prizes: a bicycle or a Nintendo Switch gaming system.

“The more you read and the more you log, the better your chances of winning,” Kitchens said.

Participants will decide when they register which grand prize they would prefer.

Weekly prizes will also be awarded.

The reading goal for teens is 200 pages, which will earn a grand prize (Nintendo Switch) entry.

Teens can earn an extra entry by submitting a review of a book, movie, CD or game of their choice; or five extra entries by participating in community service outside the library.

Various summer reading end parties will be held in late July.