Students and community members of all ages have the opportunity to win prizes from the Canyon Area Library summer reading program, “A Universe of Stories.”  The program promotes reading by offering prizes for time spent reading, and prizes include books and either a Nook or a tablet.

“For summer reading, we get a variety of books we give away along with other surprises,” said Janice Doan, head librarian at the Canyon Area Library. “We choose based on popular titles and titles patrons request. We also give away prizes such as moon shoes and a tent for younger kids, and we have some grand prizes we will give away to older people at prize drawings. We are currently in the process of updating our books with newer titles and replacing older books. We are really excited to start the program this year, and we hope teens join in.”

Doan said the summer reading program is not the only way the library is encouraging teens to read and check out books. 

“We have a strong children’s program with a nice area and service a lot of adults,” Doan said. “However, we do not see a lot of the tween/teen group. We created a space for teens where they can come in and read. We have moved bookshelves and added chairs to create a teen section. We are hoping they don’t feel like they are in the children’s section or they have to be quiet when around adults. They can talk to each other, do homework or even just read.”

Students who are 16 can secure a library card with a valid I.D. and proof of residency, and students who are younger than 16 need a parent or guardian with the same information. Library cards expire after one year. Doan said the library’s biggest change is to its fine program.

“Patrons will no longer have to pay fines for their overdue materials,” Doan said. “They will still have due dates, and if they have not returned the item within 30 days, the item will be marked as lost until they return it, but it will be cleared once the item is returned.”

The library’s check-out policy for books and games is two weeks, and DVDs and movies can be checked out for one week.

“When someone first gets a library card they can get up to five books, but when they establish a good rapport with the library, they can get up to 50 items,” Doan said. “Patrons can also renew items online or by phone at 806-655-5015. I think a lot of students worry about fines, so getting rid of them not only helps the community, but encourages teens to check out books.”

Doan said the library is willing to extend due dates, and students who want to request books can contact and give feedback on the website, visit the library’s Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or Twitter. Readers can also call the library or email the librarians at [email protected].

“Patrons can search our catalog or check with us to see if we have the book they want or not,” Doan said. “If we don’t have the book, and they have had a library card for at least three months, they can participate in the Interlibrary Loan program, which allows us to borrow the book from any other library participating.”

Doan said activities will be available all summer, and the library plans on implementing more programs in the fall. Students can view the calendar here.

“We would like to start a program in the fall where students can come in and do their homework,” Doan said. “It would not be tutoring, but a time where junior high and high school students can use the computers and books to relax and do their homework in a comfortable space. We will start with two days a week and if the response is good, we will move up to however many days students want.”