Summer reading kicks off early. Wichita will begin its program May 1.

Get ready to start logging reading minutes — using the new option of digital trackers — as several area public libraries kick off annual summer reading programs this month.

The Wichita Public Library’s summer reading challenge starts today (Friday, May 1), several weeks earlier than usual since Kansas schools are already shut down. Public libraries in Andover, Derby, Goddard, Mulvane, Newton and Park City will start their summer reading programs in a few weeks, according to respective library officials. Generally, programs end in late July.

Summer reading programs — which usually reward participants with prizes for reaching a certain number of reading minutes — are fairly standard events at libraries. Most were created to help prevent what’s known as the summer slide, a phrase used to describe the backwards slide some kids experience in skills such as math and reading over the summer break.

With libraries currently closed and reopening plans based on local and state directives, officials at local libraries have revamped their summer reading programs, which in the past have generally relied on tracking minutes on paper and lots of in-library programming.

One big change is the use of digital programs to track reading minutes. Libraries in Wichita, Derby and Goddard, for example, are using the Beanstack platform, while the Mulvane library is using Read Squared and the Park City library is using the BookPoints program. To log minutes, readers can use an app or go to the library’s website.

Another challenge has been how to handle the related events — from craft times to guest storytellers — that tend to be held with the summer reading program.

The Mulvane library has canceled all of its in-library events but will provide weekly take-home crafts for kids under 10, according to a news release. The Derby library plans to stream some of its guest performers, said Cori Dodds, the library’s marketing and public relations coordinator. The Wichita library has tentative plans for its programming “but those plans will be announced after state and county directives are issued,” according to communications specialist Sean Jones.

If you’re looking to check out books to read for the program, most libraries are offering ways to check out ebooks and other digital materials through their websites. The Wichita library is offering a phone-in option to get a library card to check out materials digitally.

The Wichita Public Library summer reading program will run from May 1 to July 23 and has two categories for participants ages 0-17. The challenge for ages 0-2 is to complete 15 activities on a checklist that involves singing, talking, reading, writing or playing. Kids in the 3-17 category are challenged to read 1,000 minutes — which works out to 20 minutes each day for 50 days. Motivated readers can read 1,500 minutes to be entered into a drawing for a bigger prize. To find out more and register, visit wichitalibrary.org/summerreading.

Some area libraries are still finalizing details on their summer reading programs. Here’s where to find out more:

Andover Public Library: Program kicks off June 1 and details will be posted at andoverlibrary.org and facebook.com/AndoverKSLib

Derby Public Library: Program runs from May 26 to July 26. It plans to announce its summer reading program details May 4 on its website, derbylibrary.com/kids-and-teens/summer-reading.

Goddard Public Library: Registration begins May 28. For details, call 316-794-8711, email outreach@goodardlibrary.com or visit goddardlibrary.com or facebook.com/GPLibrary

Mulvane Public Library: Program details will be posted at mulvane.scklslibrary.info and also facebook.com/MulvanePublicLibrary.

Newton Public Library: Details for its renamed program — the Summer Library Program — will be posted at newtonplks.org and facebook.com/NewtonPublicLibraryKansas.

Park City Public Library: Program details will be posted at parkcitypubliclibrary.com and facebook.com/ParkCityPublicLibrary.

This story was originally published May 1, 2020 at 5:01 AM.