The Suffolk Public Libraries’ summer reading program begins soon, and Suffolk residents of all ages are being encouraged to sign up and start reading.

The reading program helps motivate people, especially school-age children, to read when they don’t have to.

“Everyone likes to be rewarded, so the reward is an incentive to get people to read,” said Heidi Tice, children’s librarian at the North Suffolk library branch. “Anything to promote reading is great.”

The reading programs for children, teens and adults will kick off June 21. Children need to read at least eight books — about one per week — throughout the summer and record them on their reading log to complete the program. Teens and adults need to read at least three books and turn in reviews of the books to qualify for prize drawings. Each review they turn in also gives them a chance to win a weekly prize drawing. Prizes include local business coupons, free books and more.

“The physical rewards remind them of the other rewards you get from reading,” Tice said, like a sense of imagination, improved literacy and more knowledge of other cultures.

Last year’s summer reading program had about 2,000 participants system-wide, Tice said. The adult and teen programs are still fairly new, so they have been steadily growing.

“We are always hoping for more,” she said.

Programs are planned throughout the summer to help draw people into the libraries.

Children’s programs

Morgan Memorial Library will hold children’s programs, including magicians, puppet shows and storytellers, every Wednesday through Aug. 11 at 10 a.m. Storytimes are held every Tuesday and Thursday. Call 514-7323 for more information.

North Suffolk Library will hold children’s programs every Wednesday through Aug. 11 at 10 a.m., and every Tuesday in July at 6:30 p.m. Storytimes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information, call 514-7150.

The Chuckatuck Library will hold children’s programs every Thursday in July at 11 a.m. Storytime is every Wednesday at 11 a.m. Call 514-7310 for more information.

Teen programs

The first Monday of every month is teen book chat at the North Suffolk Library. A “Twilight Night” will be held June 21 from 6 to 8 p.m., and a murder mystery afternoon will be held July 23 at 2 p.m. On Aug. 21, a summer reading wrap-up party will be held at 1:30 p.m., with lunch catered by Olive Garden.

Adult programs

The North Suffolk Library book club meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m., and the Follow a Thread Book Club meets the third Wednesday of every month at 11:30 a.m. A summer reading wrap-up party will be held at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 21, with lunch catered by Olive Garden.