Team Minot summer reading program among Air Force best Published Oct. 18, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Apryl Hall Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Whether it is because of the long days, the warm weather or all the outdoor activities North Dakota has to offer during the summer, statistics show that individuals' reading levels decrease during those months. As a way to inspire children and adults to read during the summer, the Department of Defense sponsors a summer reading program competition each year throughout most military base libraries. It involves participants logging time spent reading or being read to, if an individual is too young to read themselves. The minutes logged are recorded and tallied at the end of the four-month program. The base with the most minutes recorded wins the overall competition, and top readers also win prizes donated by the DOD. "It's especially important for kids, because their reading levels go down over the summer," said Julie Reiten, library director and coordinator of the summer reading program at Minot Air Force Base. "The idea is to encourage them to read over the summer so they are starting the next school year at the right level." This year 488 Team Minot individuals participated in the summer reading program. The readers logged 594,300 minutes, earning Minot AFB first place among smaller-sized bases within the Air Force. Their score earned them second place overall behind Scott Air Force Base, Ill. The top reader for ages 12 and under was Nicole Pierce, who logged 444 hours. The top teen reader for ages 13-18 was Jayne Troost, who logged 132 hours. Top adult reader, Anita Pierce, logged 360 hours. With the program producing such successful numbers, Reiten said, she is excited about the positive feedback. The high number of participants and minutes logged not only shows that people are actively reading, but also confirms the effectiveness of the base library's programs. "It's a good indicator for us that our services are valued and used," said Reiten. "Not only that, but it also shows that we are all doing great work." In hopes of having another successful summer next year, the library is implementing an online logging system, added Reiten. This will give participants an easier way to record their hours when they are out of town or unable to go to the library to turn their log sheets in. "Online logging will be great," said Reiten. "We won't have any lost hours, and there will be chances for more interaction among readers with things like book reviews." To celebrate their achievement, the library hosted a wrap-up party, complete with prizes for those who read the most, said Reiten. This year participants had a lot to celebrate.