Do something brave; read a book you wouldn’t normally read as part of our Fall Reading program, for children birth through 12th grade.

Pick up a backpack time tracker at any bookmobile or at the library’s Youth Services desk (starting Sept. 20) to get your child started. Track hours read through Nov. 13. When kids reach 8 hours read, come to the library to claim a free book, bookmark and Arby’s coupon. For pre-readers, having someone read to them counts toward the reading goal too.

Each week, our librarians will make recommendations to go along with this year’s theme of “Read Beyond.” Make sure to make frequent visits to our Kids Library. But you can read whatever you want, even a magazine or a web page can count. Psst, hey parents, homework can count too, in case you need to give your little one some motivation.

Sign up and read with us as we explore a new genre each week:

Week 1 is historical fiction. We suggest reading Wichita author Clare Vanderpool‘s Moon Over Manifest. It is only one of the many good books in our collection that take place sometime in history.
Week 2 is sports fiction. Read a book about your favorite sport. While you are in the sporting mood, sign up junior for Mother Goose Games on Sept. 27 and 28. (Program limited to children 3-5 years and their parent or caregiver. Call 785-580-4565.)
Week 3 is science fiction and you can travel to other worlds with a variety of sci-fi books from our shelves.
Week 4 is graphic novels. Have you read any of the children’s graphic novels? I am reading a Hardy Boys book. Kids grades 1-3 may sign up for How to Make a Graphic Novel on Oct. 12. (Space is limited)
Week 5 is non-fiction. In addition to reading and learning about something that you enjoy from real life, how about signing up for Crazy Extreme Science on Oct. 17 for some real messy science experiments.
Week 6 is mystery. Pick a safe cozy place and read until you know “who done-it,” and if you like being scared come celebrate your Halloween at the library. We got treats, and maybe a few tricks.
Week 7 is animals. What is your favorite animal? I bet we have books about them. Come meet real animals at Zoo Animals Live on Nov. 3.
Week 8 is fantasy. Tamora Pierce is my favorite fantasy author. Do you like to read about magic and dragons, fairies and elves? Who doesn’t!?

Stop in at the library to tell me what books you read this fall and which one was your favorite. Or leave a comment below. We love hearing from you.