ESCANABA — The Escanaba Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, “Imagine Your Story,” kicks off on Monday, June 22, and continues until Aug. 1. The program is available in both a print and online format in the following categories: early literacy (pre-reader), children (ages 5-12) and teen, (ages 13-18).

Readers will be challenged to set their own personal reading goals to earn summertime treats. Additionally, each book read will count towards a community reading goal. For each book read, the Friends of the Escanaba Public Library will donate $1 to the Salvation Army Food Pantry (up to $300.00) to feed families this summer.

“We wanted to do something a little differently this year, since it is so obviously, not business as usual.” “We hope that working towards a community goal of feeding families will help readers realize we are all in this together and each of us can make a difference,” said library director, Carolyn Stacey.

Readers who wish to access the library’s collection may do so with staff assistance through the library’s drive-up window. Library patrons may place their own holds via the library’s online catalog at www.escanabalibrary.org, or call the library at 789-7323 for staff assistance. Library staff will be available to assist callers in selecting materials from the collection. Patrons can request specific titles or ask staff to choose items for them. Families with young children who would like a selection of picture books to read may call the library to request a “family pack” of up to fifteen books, selected by library staff. Additional access to the collections will tentatively open up on Monday, June 29th with drop-in visits and browsing permitted.

To participate in “Imagine Your Story” using the print format, readers can pick up a packet from the drive-up window between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday or stop in the library the week of June 29th. To participate in the program using the online format, readers can register anytime on or after June 22nd at www.escanabalibrary.org.

The programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Escanaba Public Library. Participation is free and open to all. For more information, please call the library at 789-7328 or visit www.escanabalibrary.org.