The Cochrane Public Library is launching its summer reading program this afternoon (June 16).

Over the past couple of years, the library has strongly encouraged parents and kids to keep actively reading throughout the summer months by joining the 'TD Summer Reading Club'. The program is Canada's biggest, bilingual summer reading program for kids of all ages, interests and abilities.

Andrea Johnston, Program Librarian at the Cochrane Public Library says she is excited to launch the program again and each year it gets better and better. Last year alone they had approximately 450 kids join and this year they want numbers to skyrocket. "If we could get 600 kids that would be phenomenal, we're really impressed with the Cochrane kids."

Keeping up literacy skills throughout the summer is extremely important, shares Johnston. "Summer reading is so critical for a child's development, well-being and overall educational journey. Studies have found that kids who don't read over the summer experience what is called the summer slide, which means when they get back to school in fall they are now reading at a grade level lower than they should be. So we're here to help; we want to encourage kids to keep reading and get excited about reading."

Making the reading club a little more enticing for kids to join, a plethora of prizes are being offered. "We have tickets to the Hitmen, Flying Squirrel passes, a telescope, drone, lego sets and I think kids will want to participate to win big."

While coming into the library to read is always encouraged, the beauty of the program is it can be done anywhere. "They can sign up in Cochrane, get their notebook here and then travel across Canada and collect prizes at participating libraries all summer long."

For kids wanting to read in-house the library is offering a chapter book story time starting Thursday, July 5th from 1-2 p.m. which will count towards their reading logs.

Games, a scavenger hunt, treats and the first official prize draw will all occur this afternoon. The launch runs from 1-3 pm today and all are welcome to attend, sign up and get ready for their summer reading journey.