Free ice cream for summer reading

Decorah Public Library's "Stay Curious Challenge" cards offers creative, fun ways to get kids to read this summer.

The cards have 10 squares filled with a prompt. The "Early Literacy Challenge," for children up to the age of 5, includes "prompts [that] are grounded in reading, writing, singing, and play," says Children's and Young Adult Librarian Rachael Button. One square on the prompt card says: "Write letters using steam on the windows, dust on a car, or dirt on the ground." The "Reading Challenge" card for five and older offers challenges such as "make a piece of art inspired by something you've read," or "read a book about a character from a different country."
 
"We want to offer our patrons an opportunity to step away from their screens. Our hope is to inspire families to keep reading, playing, listening, and learning as the weather gets warmer and summer begins," comments Button.
 
Once all 10 squares have been completed, cards can be turned into the library in return for a coupon for a free small single scoop cone or dish from Sugar Bowl. Questions can be directed to Rachael Button at rbutton@decorah.lib.ia.us.