Grand Rapids, MI—Baker Book House, the largest independent Christian bookstore in West Michigan, has the largest number yet enrolled in its summer reading program titled Ready. Set. Explore! Almost 1,500 children are already enrolled, with an estimated 2,000 joining the program by the mid-July cutoff date.
“Last year we had 1,500 kids enrolled; the year before 1,200; the year before that 800,” said Josh Mosey, Children’s Product Buyer and director of the summer reading program. “When we started our program back in 2009, we hoped for 100 kids.”
Ready. Set. Explore! features events throughout the summer and prizes based on number of hours read. The top prize for 80 or more reading hours is a $25 gift card to the store. The minimum is a $5 gift card for 10 hours read. Last year, Baker Book House gave out $20,000 in gift cards to kids who participated. Youngsters must be present to redeem their cards.
The adult summer reading program has grown as well since it began three years ago. Last year saw 200 adults sign up, with this year’s numbers forecast at 500.
“We want to be the best summer reading program in town,” said Mosey, “and we want to reward kids and adults for reading. If we can help children develop a love of reading, they’ll read for their whole lives.”
Summer reading program events include the Summer Movie Series, visits by children’s book illustrators Aaron Lenz and Jan Spivey Gilchrist, and a special storytime with Zondervan’s Annette Bourland. Visit the website (www.bakerbookhouse/srp) to enroll and the Events page for details on special programs.
About Baker Book House
Baker Book House was founded in 1939, when Herman Baker started the store with 500 books from his personal library. Baker is known world-wide for a deep selection of Christian titles, including new, used, and bargain books. Visit www.bakerbookhouse.com for more information.
Contact: Josh Mosey, Children’s Product Buyer, 616-957-3110, josh.mosey@bakerbookhouse.com
