NILES — The Niles District Library is seeking to encourage youth to get excited about reading by challenging children to read 1,000 books.

Tara Hunsberger, the youth services team leader, said this is an ongoing challenge with no end or start date and youth of any age are welcome to participate.

Those interested can pick up a packet to track their progress. Those who participate will chart their course among the stars, using a space-themed packet to track their progress. As they read more books, they will be able to move a rocket ship around the solar system.

Prizes are available for those who take on the challenge. At 100 books, they will receive a school supply kit with lots of space-themed gear, including a pencil, space shuttle eraser, bookmark and a blow-up shuttle. At 200 books, youth can win glow-in-the-dark toys. If they complete the challenge, they could win a gift card and T-shirt. Additionally, youth will have their picture featured on social media and in the Niles Daily Star.

Hunsberger said the program is based off a similar challenge that asks children to read 1,000 books before kindergarten. But, Hunsberger said she wanted the challenge to read more to be open to anyone.

“No age limit so as not to discourage kids who want to read books,” Hunsberger said. “It is a good goal for anybody.”

Hunsberger said she hopes the challenge generates some excitement about reading. Already she said many children have been proud to share with her the number of books they have read.

Hunsberger encouraged children to get involved in the challenge.

“Even If they think they can’t, it can be easier than they thought,” Hunsberger said. “Some kids just need extra drive. I think it will be good challenge.”

From finding a new favorite author to learning something new, there are a number of reasons to pick up a book.

“Reading is fundamental,” Hunsberger said. “The idea is for them to be exposed to as many words as possible. What better way than to do that than through books?”

The Niles District Library is located at 620 E. Main St. To learn more about the book challenge, those interested can call (269) 683-8545.