Get ready to embark on an extraordinary summer adventure because the Ann Arbor District Library is back with its beloved Summer Game, kicking off on June 9. And guess what? This captivating event is for everyone, no matter your age!
The young and the young at heart are all invited to join in on the fun-filled activities. Richard Retyi, AADL’s communications and marketing manager, assures us that the Summer Game offers something unique for each participant.
“We get players of all ages each year. Just like the Library itself, everyone gets something different out of the Summer Game. Everyone from kids who are just learning to read to grandparents love to play different aspects of the Summer Game,” Retyi said.
Retyi said last year witnessed an astounding participation record of 10,114 players, with nearly half of them being children. This year, he aims to surpass that number and set a new record!
This robust program seamlessly combines the timeless pleasure of summer reading with innovative online and in-person activities designed to engage and inspire.
The Summer Game comprises three distinct components, allowing participants to choose one or explore all three at their leisure.
1) The Summer Reading Game
Open to all ages, the Summer Reading Game offers varying goals and rewards based on the participant’s age. Kids are encouraged to read or listen to ten books, while teenagers can consume ten pieces of content, such as books, podcasts, magazines, or articles, to earn valuable game points and a free book!
Adults, too, can join the excitement by consuming ten pieces of content to accumulate points and receive a coupon for $2 off a book at the Friends Book Shop downtown or Friends shelves at any of AADL’s branches. Most books available are priced at $2 or less.
To begin your summer reading adventure, simply acquire a Summer Game Reading Card, available for pickup at any AADL library or download it.
2) The Summer Game: Explorer Codes
“Explorer codes send you out into the physical world or into online AADL events and videos,” Retyi said.
You’ll discover hidden codes scattered throughout parks, neighborhoods, and even inside and outside the libraries. Keep an eye out for signs bearing codes, as they can be found in unexpected places, including your very own neighbors’ yards!
3) The Summer Game: Online Codes
“Online codes can be found by solving puzzles of different difficulty levels both in the AADL catalog and around the internet,” Retyi said.
These puzzles might revolve around a theme like sandwiches, and the clues could prompt you to search for specific words in the AADL catalog or on the internet. Once you find the correct page in the catalog, the clue will be right there. And when you crack the code through a regular internet search—boom!—you’ll earn some points.
Every Friday, the AADL Summer Game team unveils a new series of themed online puzzles, so mark your calendars and brace yourself for thrilling challenges.
Points, badges, prizes…oh my!
Active participation in the Summer Game rewards you with codes, which can be redeemed for a plethora of points, badges, and fantastic prizes. The more points you earn, the greater your chances of winning!
In early July, the Summer Game shop opens its doors, showcasing a tempting array of prizes, including t-shirts, vintage lunch boxes, enamel pins, coffee mugs, plush toys, notebooks, frisbees, beach blankets, duffel bags, bluetooth speakers, umbrellas, and items sourced from local small businesses, among many other exciting options!
Let the adventure begin
Visit the central virtual hub for the Summer Game to sign up and download an editable version of the Summer Game Reading Card. Alternatively, you can also sign up by texting NEWPLAYER to 734-327-4200 to create a profile and play via text (messaging and data rates may apply).
Don’t miss out on all of the fun! The Summer Game only lasts until August 28. If you’re a veteran player who thinks you’ve seen it all, well, think again.
Retyi hints, “We always have a few surprises in the Game each year. Stay tuned to find out!”
The website is chock full of information, but if you still have questions or need help getting started, the library staff are available. You can email askus@aadl.org, text or call 734-327-4200 or visit the contact us page on AADL.org.
