text: JMRL is kicking off summertime with the annual Summer Reading Challenge for all ages. This year’s theme is “Read for the Win” in honor of the 2016 Summer Olympics.
  Simply pick up a challenge sheet at any branch or download from jmrl.org/summer. Once you’ve completed five library-related challenges, turn in your sheet at any branch for a prize each month (June-August). Earn extra entries into the big raffle at the end of the summer by going above and beyond and completing 10, 15, 20, or all 25 challenges on each sheet (you get one extra entry per 5 challenges completed).
  Prizes for children from birth to grade 5 include a JMRL beach ball (June), and free books (July & August). Teens will win earbuds with an earbud case (June) as well as free books (July & August). Adults will receive a free book each month. Grand prizes will be drawn from entries for all participants after August 31; the prizes are a Barnes & Noble gift card for children, an Amazon gift card for teens, and a Kindle for adults.
  Kick off the Summer Reading Challenge with your favorite JMRL branch by attending one (or more!) of the parties listed below:
  CENTRAL LIBRARY SUMMER READING KICKOFF HULLABALOO
  Saturday, June 4 at 10am-12pm
  Celebrate the sweet start of summer at Central Library’s annual street party. Swing to the sounds of a Dixieland band, snack on popcorn and donuts, enjoy face painting, and pick up a JMRL summer challenge sheet. Special appearance by Pete the Cat. Check out the Friends’ mini-book sale, too.
  CROZET LIBRARY STARTING LINE KICKOFF PARTY
  Thursday, June 9 at 1-3pm
  Ready, set, read! Race into the library to get your first dash of summer reading, and then step outside to enjoy some sweet summer treats and sun-filled fun. Pick up your first JMRL Summer Reading Challenge sheet, and let the summer begin. Special appearance by Pete the Cat.
  GORDON AVENUE LIBRARY ICE CREAM SOCIAL
  Monday, June 6 at 6:30-8pm
  I scream, you scream… let’s share some ice cream. It’s time for Gordon Avenue Library’s traditional kick-off for summer fun. Get started in the Summer Reading Program, eat ice cream, listen to music provided by the Jim Howe Jazz Trio, and get decorated by Expressions! Face Painting.
  GREENE COUNTY LIBRARY SUMMER READING KICKOFF PARTY
  Monday, June 6 at 6-8pm
  Join the Greene County Library for all kinds of fun including a moon bounce, ice cream, face painting, live music, juggling and a petting zoo. Take a balloon animal home with you. Visit with Pete the Cat who always says, “It’s all good.”
  LOUISA COUNTY LIBRARY SUMMER READING KICKOFF OLYMPICS
  Tuesday, June 7 at 11:45am
  Come join the Louisa County Library for our summer program kickoff. The Library Olympics will be held including games such as discus & javelin throw, ring toss, and more. Athlete registration begins at 11:45am and the torch lighting relay race will be at noon, followed by games and snacks. A medal ceremony for all athletes who participate will be a great photo op for parents.
  NELSON MEMORIAL LIBRARY SUMMER READING KICKOFF
  Monday, June 6 at 4-6pm
  “Read for the Win” is the theme for the Summer Reading Challenge. Face painting, art projects, lots of activities, snacks and information abound as this program begins.
  NORTHSIDE LIBRARY SUMMER READING KICKOFF
  Tuesday, June 7 at 6pm
  Join us for a family dance party featuring some of your favorite tunes, an appearance by Pete the Cat, and face painting donated by Metamorphosis.
  SCOTTSVILLE LIBRARY “ON YOUR MARK” ADVENTURE
  Monday, June 6 at 4pm (for grades K-5 only)
  This summer the Olympic Games are being held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The summer reading challenge theme at JMRL is “Read for the Win.” Fun is the object of our spin on the ancient games. Compete in indoor “races” with feathers, balloons and spoons.