Atchison County Library’s first Reading Challenge for the entire county started in June and finished July 31. Participants signed up through the library’s internet homepage and logged their titles on an interactive reading website.

The children were challenged to read a certain number of materials that corresponded to their age. Many of these items were borrowed through the local library branches in Rock Port, Tarkio and Fairfax.

The library reported that 94 readers signed up for the challenge and those readers jointly logged 981 titles. The program proved a good opportunity for readers to advance independently or with the help of family members and friends.

The software was purchased through a grant from the Missouri State Library and the Institute of Museum and Library services and was developed as a pandemic contact-free alternative to the traditional program.