Pictured is the Warren Public Library.

Young readers in Warren have a colorful adventure ahead of them.

The Warren Public Library’s Children’s Department is hosting the “Read Your Way Through the Rainbow” program, encouraging children ages 2 to 11 to complete a reading challenge.

This program, created by Susan Slater, children’s librarian, is a reading incentive designed to inspire young readers while introducing them to a variety of books. Participants will read 26 books, each corresponding to a color on the rainbow-themed reading form.

“We created this program during COVID as a way to keep kids engaged while at home,” Slater said. “Parents and children love the challenge of finding books that fit the colors, and it’s always a joy to hear families talking about books they’ve discovered together.”

Participants who complete the challenge by April 21, 2025, will earn a Reading Ribbon and be entered into drawings for $30 Walmart gift cards. One grand prize winner will receive a prize basket.

“The objective is to give children opportunities to improve their reading skills and foster a love of reading,” Slater said. “It’s so rewarding to overhear kids excitedly finding books that match their goals, saying things like, ‘Mom, this book is perfect for red!'”

In addition to the rainbow reading challenge, the Children’s Department has plenty of activities to engage young learners:

Toddler Time: Join Miss Susan on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. for themed stories, songs, crafts, and creative play. Aimed at children ages 1-5 (but all are welcome), Toddler Time runs through April 28. No registration is required.

Big Chill Scavenger Hunt: From now until March 28, children ages 2-11 can complete a winter-themed scavenger hunt. As each task is completed, participants note the titles of books or library items that match the description.

“This activity is a wonderful way to get kids exploring the library,” said Miss Susan. Participants will have a chance to win gift cards and a prize basket. Today, to celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day, families are invited to visit the library for a special celebration. From 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., children can use toys and complete crafts in the Children’s Department.

“We firmly believe that letting children choose their own books fosters a lifelong love of reading. By keeping the challenges simple and flexible, we encourage kids to explore our collection and find books that truly excite them,” Slater said.

With typically 70 to 100 children participating in reading incentives, the library’s programs continue to be a hit with the community.

“These activities don’t just build literacy skills,” Slater said. “They build family memories and a deeper connection to the library.”

Families interested in participating in any of these programs can pick up forms and information in the Children’s Department or visit the library’s website at www.warrenlibrary.org.

Let the adventures begin–whether it’s reading through the rainbow, hunting for books in the Big Chill Scavenger Hunt, or crafting at Take Your Child to the Library Day.

“There’s something magical about watching children light up as they discover the joy of reading,” Slater said.