MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- From May 31 through July 30, readers of all ages can participate in the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Challenge.

The challenge has been made easier this year in an effort to be open to more style of reading.

Now, participants can read alone, listen to others read, listen to audiobooks, read newspapers, magazines, and comic books as well as surf the internet for news articles.

Challenge cards will be revealed on Monday for readers to track their hours.

The reading challenge does not set a goal for the reader, but allows each individual to set their own personal goals instead. Participants use the honor system by signing their challenge card, which states that they’ve reached their goal.

Those who turn in a completed challenge card by July 30 will receive a new book of their choice, which the library purchased thanks to a monetary donation from 1^st Source Bank.

While the challenge is open to all ages, Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library’s Youth Service Coordinator, Anne Britton, is especially focused on the positive effect that summer reading has on children and young adults.

“Research indicates that children who do not read during the summer can lose reading progress made during the past school year. Our Summer Reading Challenge keeps young readers from losing critical literacy skills during summer break and puts our students on the path to become engaged lifelong learners,” said Britton.

Over 600 people participated in the Summer Reading Challenge in 2021, with 503 children leading the way.