To the editor,

As much as I love the summer sunshine, beach days, and the blur of activities across our community, there’s still nothing like those rainy summer days that keep me cooped up with a good book.

While the infamous personal pan pizzas of my childhood are no longer the prize for reading, the Alpena County Library’s Summer Reading Program offers engaging activities and prizes for all ages, including for adults.

I’ve already picked up two prizes, including downtown dollars to spend, plus I’ve earned extra tickets to vote for the community prize, which is always a fun, creative opportunity (although this year I’m quite envious of the teens who might get a cat cafe as one prize option).

While, for me, it’s all about the books, I love the playfulness our library brings to encourage early readers in growing their excitement and engagement with literacy while connecting to the community — and all at no cost to participants.

We are nearing the end of this year’s Summer Reading Program fun and I look forward to many more. However, our library needs all of our yes votes to support the renewal of the library millage on Aug. 6 in order to continue creating these opportunities and more for our community. My hope, readers, is that, next year, you’ll join me for the Summer Reading Program and you will say yes to the millage renewal in support of our library.

In connection and gratitude,

PAIGE ALLIA,

Alpena