Suzanne Bloom reading to children during the 2024 Sherburne Public Library Summer Reading Program. This year, the local author will be returning to read and do an art activity from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30. (Submitted photo)

SHERBURNE — The Sherburne Public Library, located at 2 East State Street in Sherburne, will be kicking off their Summer Reading Program on Tuesday, July 1 from 4 to 6 p.m. in Gaines Park and on the library lawn, weather permitting.

This year's Summer Reading Program theme is "Color Our World," and will feature a variety of art- and color-related activities for all ages.

Individuals can sign up for the program at the kickoff party or anytime in July by visiting or calling the library. The program is split up into four age groups: 5 years old and younger, 6 to 11 years old, 12 to 19 years old, and 20 years old and older. Participants will keep track of how many hours they read this July, aiming to reach Bronze, Silver, and Gold reading levels.

"You’re not really competing against anyone, you’re just competing against yourself to get to the level that you want to get to," explained Sherburne Public Library Children's Librarian Michael Moren.

Youth can also participate in the "Read and Bead" program, which provides a lanyard to hold their reading passport. For each half hour they read, they'll earn a bead to put on their lanyard and track how much they've read.