Reading is its own reward, but we might also give you a prize.

Public libraries everywhere are in the midst of a Summer Reading Program, something we do each year, partly to give kids something to do, and to keep minds developing over the summer break.

Libraries promote reading throughout the year, but this is the time we normally have our biggest events, and try to incentivize everyone to report reading. 

Adults are also included, and though kids have only until Aug. 12, adults can join at Mohr Library up to Sept. 21, to be entered into a drawing for the adult prize, which is their choice of a book from a list of notable works.

Sharing reviews or thoughts can help others find new material and get more out of the reading experience. For the same reason, we hope for participation in discussions, lectures and readings that we offer in the coming months.

Prizes and many programs are thanks to the volunteer-led nonprofit Friends of the Mohr Public Library, to which we’d like to lead more volunteers.

We have a summer reading reporting tool, as well as much of the raw material for very popular take-home craft kits we produce, thanks to the state Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS), which in turn directs funds from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). OLIS provides Rhode Island’s public libraries with 20-25 percent of their operational costs, plus a great deal of non-material support through the past year.

Reading gives me a prized feeling, even when it’s not a happy one, of connection. Reading offers especially much for those with a long way to go, and for all of us it keeps our minds sharp and our eyes looking forward. That’s why every town in Rhode Island has a public library.

Editor’s Note: Jon Anderson serves as the Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library Director. Watch for his column weekly in the Johnston Sun Rise.