Summer came early at the Okotoks Public Library so its staff is making sure there is ample opportunity to take in a good read on a sunny patio.
The library’s annual Adult Summer Reading Challenge kicked off on May 10 and will run until July 9.
“We usually run it over the summer until August and start in June but because we are moving to the new building we will be closed for part of the summer, so we wanted to start it early as a surprise,” said Wanda Clark, the library’s adult reading co-ordinator.
This is the eighth year of the challenge which will feature 13 books. Each time a participant has read a book, she or he can enter their name for a draw.
“We have the reading ballots ready for May 19,” Clark said. “The readers tell us whether they loved or hated the book and then they can enter for the draw.”
There’s a chance for added prizes if the reader opts to give a review, which will be posted on the library’s website.
The books selected were chosen by experts so knowledgeable, they actually know how the Dewey decimal system works.
“The staff members all recommend the books and then I pick,” Clark said. “We just try to make a mix of both fiction and non-fiction.
“We are looking for interesting titles that the patrons will want to read... maybe try and branch out and try a genre or an author they haven’t read before.”
The titles vary from Theo Fleury’s non-fiction Playing with Fire to Recipe for a Perfect Wife by Karma Brown, a novel about a modern-day woman who finds inspiration in hidden notes left by her home’s previous owner, a quintessential 1950s housewife.
Brown’s novel was selected by Clark.
“I found it really interesting how it went back and forth from the 1950s to the present day,” Clark said. “It was a good mystery novel, even though it’s not labelled in that genre."
In previous years there have been as many as 90 adults participate.
And although she can’t win, Clark is up for the challenge.
“I do try to read the ones I haven’t read before,” Clark said.
She added there are plenty of copies available for the participants. The books can be picked-up through curbside service or by asking at the door. There are also audiobooks available of the 13 titles.
The library will be moving into its portion of the Okotoks Arts and Learning Campus in July with an opening expected sometime in August.
