A new statewide reading challenge will compliment the Escanaba Public Library’s existing Summer Reading Challenge, which this year carries the theme “Unearth a Story.” (Sophie Vogelmann | Daily Press)

ESCANABA — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced a statewide summer reading initiative in partnership with public libraries, including the Escanaba Public Library, aimed at encouraging children to read, write and stay engaged with literacy activities over the summer months.

Michigan students PreK through 12th grade are invited to participate in the “Summer Reading Road Trip,” an eight-week program featuring four themed stops designed to guide participants through structured reading and learning challenges.

The first stop, “Start Your Engines,” invites students to begin a new book, write a short story or listen to a podcast. Each theme lasts two weeks, with participants progressing through a total of four stops over the course of the program.

Additional themed stops include “Explore Michigan,” “Visit Your Local Library” and “Destination: Imagination,” each offering activities intended to promote creativity, exploration and consistent reading habits.

Participants will have the chance to earn prizes, including a custom tote bag, a book, a Michigan map and bookmarks.

Completed challenges must be submitted online at Michigan Summer Reading Road Trip or by scanning a QR code provided on promotional materials. Each challenge requires a separate submission. Full rules are available at Michigan Summer Reading Rules.

“I’m excited for students across Michigan to join me on our Summer Reading Road Trip,” Whitmer said. “Literacy is an ordinary superpower that every student deserves. That’s why we’ve created PreK for All, tripled literacy coaches, put phonics in the classroom, and proposed the largest literacy investment in Michigan history to help Every Child Read. Now, we’re partnering with local libraries and providing resources to parents and students to keep our kids reading all summer long. Let’s keep working together to help Every Child Read.”

The state program will run alongside, not replace, the Escanaba Public Library’s existing Summer Reading Challenge, which this year carries the theme “Unearth a Story.”

“Our own Summer Reading Challenge has already been very popular with local children and teens, so I think this program will be a great addition to what we already have in place,” said Brianna Ecklid-LaVigne, the library’s youth programs coordinator.

Ecklid-LaVigne said it is not too late for residents to join the local program. Participation has already surpassed previous years, with more than twice as many sign-ups compared to the last three summers and more than 12,000 minutes of reading logged since June 10.

Participants in the Escanaba library program who submit reading logs are entered to win prizes including a wristband to the Upper Peninsula State Fair and rewards from a capsule machine. Additional reading log submissions increase both prize opportunities and chances of winning a wristband.

“We also have a summer full of fun, free events for children and families, and we’d love to see them there,” Ecklid-LaVigne said.

Residents can learn more or sign up by visiting the children’s area at the Escanaba Public Library, where flyers and printed rules are available. Library staff are also available to assist with registration and questions.

The Escanaba Public Library also provides free summer meals to all youth ages 18 and under, as well as disabled adults up to age 26, through Feeding America West Michigan on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Various meal options are available, including vegetarian and gluten free. All meals are nut free.

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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.