Summer Reading Challenge starting soon at Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library

MISHAWAKA, Ind. - Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library (MPHPL) announced the launch of this year's Summer Reading Challenge for all ages.

The challenge will take place from June 3 through August 5. The challenge cards are available as of Monday, May 20, at any MPHPL location or can be downloaded here.

Organizers say anyone, no matter what age, can take part, and adults who participate must have a MPHPL card.

The summer challenge rules are as follows:

• The backside of the challenge card contains 20 challenge squares.
• Five of the challenge squares are marked with a beach ball.
• Once participants complete the five challenges marked with a beach ball, starting on or after June 10, they can visit any MPHPL location to receive a small prize.
• When the entire challenge card is complete, participants can submit their card in person and choose a new book from a list of 50 adult titles and 85 youth titles.

June 7, MPHPL will host a Summer Reading Challenge kickoff party at the downtown Mishawaka Library, 209 Lincolnway East.

Attendees can stop by with no registration required for the morning or afternoon events.

Activities with no registration:

• Donut Bingo - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 3 to 5 p.m. 
• Donut Hole Decorating - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 3 to 5 p.m. 
• Crafts & Stories - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 3 to 5 p.m. 

Activity with registration:

• Organizers say there will be a special "edu-taining" performance by special guest Musician Jeanie B! from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 4 to 5 p.m.

The performance offers an interactive musical experience.

MPHPL will also host a community summer reading wrap-up party at the Bittersweet Branch on Monday, August 5, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Details of the wrap-up party will be revealed during the challenge.

The Summer Reading Challenge has been a staple of MPHPL for decades, with over 1,400 participants completing last year's challenge.

Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library

The primary sponsor for this year's MPHPL Summer Reading Challenge is 1st Source Bank with small prize sponsors being Culver's and Dairy Queen.

 "We are extremely thankful to have 1st Source Bank as our main sponsor, and we appreciate their contribution and commitment to literacy. This is the fourth consecutive year that 1st Source Bank has been our main Summer Reading Challenge sponsor. The monetary donation they provide is used to purchase books that are awarded to participants who complete the challenge and to offer free family-friendly events such as musician Jeanie B! and magician Mr. Jim," said Director of Patron Services Jennifer Ludwig.