MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Now that school is getting out for the summer reading programs are starting throughout the area including at the Capitol Area District Library System.

However, kids are not the only ones that can participate in a summer reading program. Tom Shilts, the Youth Services Librarian at the Okemos branch, says that people of all ages are welcome to participate in the program.

There are also prizes for kids participating in the summer reading program. Kids can get a prize when they have read for a certain number of minutes. Prizes can be picked up at any library branch in the Capitol Area Library District.

Shilts also talked about the importance of summer reading for kids.

"Just the process of reading it builds brain power it builds knowledge it's an enjoyable thing. They should do it just for themselves. They should also do it so when the school year comes they'll be more prepared for it."