ALPENA ­– Do you have a reader between the ages of six and nine that is beginning to read independently and inching into illustrated chapter books? The Alpena County Library has a new book club just for these burgeoning readers. Register for the Chapter Champions Book Club.

This flexible book club provides a virtual space for young readers to discover exciting new books while interacting with their peers, building a shared love of and conversation around reading. Chapter Champions will participate in weekly challenges set by book club leader Sara, a monthly reading challenge, and a virtual monthly discussion, all while having access to the newest books in the library’s collection, peer recommendations, and chances to win free books and prizes.

Meant to be welcoming to all readers, from the most avid to the most reluctant, this book club allows participants to read books of their choosing. The recurring monthly reading challenge asks book club members to read 20 books monthly; those books may be picture books, leveled readers, or early chapter books. Of course, audiobooks are always welcome.

The virtual components of the club, including the weekly challenges, to be posted on a private Flipgrid, and the virtual monthly discussions, to be held via closed Zoom session, provide open and safe spaces for book club members to chat with their peers and a librarian, share what they are reading, and give peer recommendations.

Questions about the Chapter Champions Book Club can be directed to Sara at sgrochowski@alpenalibrary.org. For more information, visit the Library’s website or Facebook page.