Sumter County Library challenges students to read this summer

Read for 20 minutes a day and get rewarded for your reading in the Sumter County Library's reading challenge, All Together Now.

The challenge, open to readers up to 18 years of age, began on May 30. Come to any branch of the library and receive a free tote bag for your books along with a reading log with stickers to help you count your reading minutes: 111 N. Harvin St., 180 W. Wesmark Blvd. or 337 Manning Ave.

There are numerous programs to attend at the library this summer, including movies, a magic show, STEM toys, making friendship bracelets and growing your own veggies. Cocky's Reading Express will help kick off the summer reading challenge on June 8 at 10:30 a.m. at the Sumter Main Library. Cocky's Reading Express is the University of South Carolina's literacy outreach program. USC students travel the state with their friend, Cocky, visiting elementary schools across South Carolina. Cocky's volunteers read to the children, while Cocky helps the children understand the importance of life-long reading.Check out the library's summer calendar available at all library branches and online at www.sumtercountylibrary.org.

For more information, contact Julie M. Hynes, head of children's services at the Sumter County Library, at (803) 773-7273.