If you are looking for a way to keep busy this summer, grab a book and join the South Central Regional Library for its annual summer reading program.

In partnership with the TD Summer Reading Club all four SCRL branches, Winkler, Morden, Altona and Miami, have a Canadian authors themed program open to readers of all ages.

Registration started in June, but the program will run until mid August, which gives anyone hoping to join enough time to still take part.

Although this year's program emphasizes Canadian authors, participants are allowed to read any books they want, even if they are not from the library. Whether it is an audio book, a graphic novel, or a chapter book, any time spent reading or listening to a story can be tracked in a log, which will then go toward earning tickets for prizes.

However, prizes are not the only benefits of the reading program, according to Cathy Ching, director of library services. Ching said the program is a great way to develop reading skills and connect with family and friends.

“One of the things we hear all the time is that children who are involved do not lose their reading skills for the summer... some will even improve. Teachers know who has been in the summer reading program when they come back to school, because they haven't lost any of it,” she said.

If you are interested in joining over 1,000 other summer reading program participants in southern Manitoba, you can visit your local library to register.