Can I count this?

Start Date

Only include books that you started reading on or after June 12.

We should not see an impossible number of books on the first day of the program. Starting the program off by violating this rule may disqualify you from winning prizes for the rest of the summer.

Book Types

The following book types count. If you're not sure about something, please contact a librarian first.

  • books
  • ebooks
  • audiobooks
  • graphic novels

Children's Books

Unless children's books are appropriate for your normal reading level, you should not submit children's books to the Adult Summer Reading program. Young Adult (YA) or Teen books are considered to be adult books.

If you are reading to (or with) a child, please count those books towards the child's summer reading and not the Adult Summer Reading program.

Can I participate without a computer/phone?

Yes!

Call or visit the reference desk, and a librarian will be able to submit books for you. Your books will be visible on the Summer Reading website, but you will not need to use the website yourself.

For any other accommodation, please call 860-828-7126.

Can I participate without entering the library?

Yes!

The raffles are entirely online. If you would like to redeem your tickets for small/medium/large prizes, call the reference desk and a librarian will assist you.

The library will not mail prizes, but we will arrange for curbside pickup.

For any other accommodation, please call 860-828-7126.

Can people see my personal info?

Some of it.

Other Summer Readers will be able to view your username, book titles, and book comments. Feel free to use anything you'd like as a username, even random numbers. Your name, email address, and raffle basket choices will not be visible to other readers.

Does page length matter?

No.

There is no restriction on page length or word count.

We encourage you to branch out and explore poetry, graphic novels, short stories, novellas, shorter non-fiction, and other forms of literature beyond the typical novel. These works can really pack a punch in just a small package!

Does reading level matter?

Your reading level matters.

There is no restriction on reading level. Every adult should feel comfortable participating, regardless of their reading level. If materials found in the children's department match your reading level, you are welcome to submit them for Adult Summer Reading.

Do not abuse this rule in a way that unfairly inflates your book total. We should not see someone submitting a significant number of children's books alongside full-length novels. Doing so will disqualify you from winning raffle prizes for the rest of the summer. The books in question will have their tickets deactivated, meaning they cannot be redeemed for small/medium/large prizes.

What about Young Adult?

As far as reading level is concerned, Young Adult books are considered adult books. The Young Adult designation is given based on subject matter, genre, and the age of its protagonists—not reading level.

How do raffles work?

You'll get to pick a raffle basket each time you enter a book online. You can use the Edit button to change your raffle basket selection until a raffle winner is drawn. Once we draw a winner, all the tickets in that basket are considered used up and cannot be moved into another basket or redeemed for small/medium/large prizes.

  • Each book you read counts as 1 virtual ticket.
  • Raffles are randomly drawn by a computer, using your virtual raffle tickets.
  • We will contact raffle winners directly by email or phone. Make sure your contact information is valid!
  • Winners will be announced in the Summer Reading Newsletter. Full names will not be posted.

How do small/medium/large prizes work?

Not interested in raffles? Visit the Reference Desk to redeem your tickets for prizes! Tickets that have been redeemed for prizes can no longer be used in raffle baskets.

  • Small Prizes (5 tickets): vinyl stickers, bookmarks, coupons for a free coffee, and more.
  • Medium Prizes (10 tickets): coupons for a free book at the Friends Book Sale, reader-themed drinking glasses, and more.
  • Large Prizes (15 tickets): books (some signed by the author!), puzzles, book journals, and more.

What about the all-year reading challenge?

You can do both!

Summer Reading books can ALSO be recorded in our All-Year Reading Challenge as long as they fulfill one of the reading prompts.

Our All-Year Reading Challenge is a list of 52 reading prompts, from specific (“a book set in Appalachia”) to vague (“a book in a genre you usually avoid”). This year, you can choose from three challenge sheets: general reading prompts, book cover prompts, and title letter/number prompts.

And best of all, you earn a fun and fashionable reading-themed pin for every five prompts you complete!

This program is in-person with no online option. Visit the Adult Reference Desk to pick up a challenge sheet.

What happens if I break the rules?

If we find that a participant is not following the program rules, we will send one reminder. If they do not provide a satisfactory response, they may be disqualified from winning raffles for the rest of the summer. Questionable books may have their tickets deactivated, meaning they cannot be used for raffles or redeemed for small/medium/large prizes. There is no appeal procedure.

A participant will only be disqualified due to an obvious pattern, not a few questionable books. If you think your reading choices may be misinterpreted, please consult a librarian before adding them to the summer reading website.

If we determine you are breaking the rules and you do not correct the situation after a reminder, you will be disqualified. You will not receive notice of disqualification and will not be visibly disqualified. Your books may still appear on this website, and your total may still appear on the leaderboard.

Questions?

If you have any further questions, please email [email protected], call 860-828-7126, or visit the Library.