The "Pass, Punt and Read" program at the Auburn Public Library is now under way. Registration ended yesterday and students ages 3 to 11 will be reading their way through the fall.
There are four reading programs held annually: spring, summer, fall and winter.
"Parents love this because they want their children to read and anything that's an incentive is a good thing," said Stephanie Taunton, a library assistant for youth services.
Eve Engle Kneeland, head of youth services, said the summer reading program is by far their largest each year, with more than 400 students reading more than 2,000 books.
However, she said the summer program also includes high school students. The fall reading program registers approximately 60 students reading more than 800 books.
For every five books read, the student will receive a small prize. And if the student reaches his or her predetermined goal, he or she will receive a bigger prize. Prizes usually range from little toys to coupons for local restaurants.
Visits from Aubie are also held at the library.
"We try to get Aubie out here whenever we can," Kneeland said.
Students can register for "Pass, Punt and Read" either as a reader or under the Read-to-Me program designed for younger children.
"It works well because they can count books they read anywhere," Taunton said.
The library also offers help to students from Auburn University.
Kneeland said not only does the library offer internships for students, but students also study at the library during midterm and final periods.
The library can offer test prep for college tests like the ACT, SAT, LSAT, GRE and other exams.
"There's a lot we can do to help students," Kneeland said. "We're more than happy to work with them."
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