RUMFORD — Area young people are invited to “Dream Big- READ!” during the summer reading program at the Rumford Public Library. The program is open to children of all reading abilities, from preschool through age 14.

Reading during the summer months helps children maintain and enhance their reading and comprehension skills and their vocabulary. As well, younger children develop a positive, enthusiastic attitude towards learning to read when they are read to regularly.

Again this year, several area businesses and the Portland Sea Dogs are working together with the Rumford Library to add encouragement through incentives to young readers.

Children are asked to read at least five days per week, for a length of time based upon the child’s age. (Pre-readers may be read to by a parent, older sibling or other care-giver.) Participants in the program will have four weeks, from Sunday, July 1, through Saturday, July 28, to meet their reading goals. Each week that a reader meets the appropriate goal, s/he will receive a coupon for a free Kid’s Meal at Subway, as well as other reading incentives.

Readers who meet the goal all four weeks will receive a Golf/Slide Combo Pass to the Big Adventure Center in Bethel.

The awards celebration for those who participate in the reading program will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 8, following Scott Grassette’s Magic Show.

The first 75 readers to turn in a completed reading log will receive a voucher good for a free ticket to a Portland Sea Dogs game. Vouchers this year can be used on any of the dates that have been designated as a Sea Dogs Summer Reading Program game date, subject to availability.

More information and reading logs are available at the library. The schedule of events for the library’s Summer Fest activity program, which will be held on Wednesdays, July 11 through Aug. 8, is also available in the Children’s Room and at the main desk.