By Crystal HoldippReading doesn’t have to be boring and dull if its done in a fun and exciting way — that’s the word from the Bermuda National Library.The library is encouraging people of all ages to get involved in reading this summer and have launched its ‘Have Book, Will Travel’ summer reading programme, going on from now until August 17.Children and young adults can collect their passports at the Youth Library and are eligible to get their passports stamped each time they finish a book, or attend one of the activities at the library. Activities, including story time, movie days, and sketching, take place during weekdays at 10am, 10.30am and 2.30pm.Young people must read 21 books before the deadline, to be eligible for a host of prizes.Meanwhile adult participants are encouraged to come into the National Library and can collect a folder with seven boarding passes, each representing a different genre, like mystery, romance or science fiction.Once they finish a book within a specific genre, they can fill in the information on the boarding pass and turn it in at the Adult Library Circulation Desk. They will also be entered into a draw, taking place each Saturday, for a weekly prize.Librarian Joanne Brangman said: “The Youth Library has held a Summer Reading Programme for children for many years. Two years ago was the first time the Adult Library held a similar programme.“This year, we had the added benefit of sponsorship from the Buechner Society of Bermuda. They provided funds for the weekly and grand prizes, as well as the prize-giving celebrations at the end.”The programme was up and running on July 1st; so far, it has been extremely popular, Ms Brangman explained.“The public reaction has been very positive. I’m sure the great prizes have helped. There are more than double the participants when compared to last year,” she said.The programme aims to encourage more reading and to promote the use of the library.Ms Brangman said: “It has been proven that children who read over the summer do better in school. What better way for parents to encourage their children to read then by reading themselves?“It is also a way for the public to learn about the services the library has to offer.”There are going to be cool tech prizes awarded to the winners, including a grand prize of an iPad for the Adult winner; an iPad mini for the youth winner and an iPad plus and iPad mini for the family winner.There will also be a draw for a travel voucher for an adult, as well as a draw for a child to win a ticket to anywhere that JetBlue flies, courtesy of the airline.Ms Brangman expressed the importance of reading with her favourite Dr Seuss quote that blends in with the summer programme’s theme for this year: “The more that you read, The more things you will know, The more that you learn, The more places you’ll go.”The activities in the children’s summer reading programme will cost $3 each.For more information on the schedule and activities, contact Bermuda National Library Youth Services on 295-0487 or e-mail via youthlib@gov.bm. Or to reach the adult library phone 295-2905.