WAUKEE, Iowa — The Waukee Public Library is trying to combat the summer slide with its annual Summer Reading Challenge.

The summer slide is the academic loss that happens when students are on summer break. It can be seen across all grade levels, but studies have shown that students in grades three through five can lose 20-percent of their reading gains over the summer.

This year’s challenge is the Waukee Public Library‘s largest yet with over 3,500 people taking part. Participants track each day they read for at least 15 minutes. For every ten days, they earn a prize and there is a grand prize at the end of the program. This includes things like a scooter, mini-fridge, lego set, and more.

The challenge goes until the end of July, but people can still submit their June reading days, so it’s not too late to join.

Apart from finding adventures inside books, students can also find some local adventures through the Iowa Adventure Pass. This program can provide free access to museums, gardens, and other institutions across the state throughout the summer just by using a library card.

“It’s really important for us to be involved in our community and help our patrons have access to a bunch of different community organizations. So especially in the summer when you have a lot of the kids that need something to do during the day, it’s a really good time to take advantage of that,” said children’s librarian Eliza Ahrens.

The Iowa Adventure Pass program typically covers entry fees for two adults and two kids. Click here for more information.