Summer is a time when students from elementary to high school may slack off on reading literature. Once again, the Beacon Bees are working with the Howland Public Library to gain new recruits. The Mid-Hudson Library System's 13th annual Battle of the Books, a nationally recognized literature contest, begins on June 29. The middle school team will read great books and meet with coaches every Thursday from 5 to 7 pm to learn book trivia, enjoy pizza and snacks, and participate in book-related activities. You will compete in mini-battles, based on the books you've read, with local libraries in August. The Beacon Bees, the library's middle school team, were regional champions in 2010, 2013, and 2015! 

The Howland Public Library is currently recruiting team members for their very first High School Battle of the Books team. This year is the first time Beacon will have a team in the high school competition.

Beacon's high school team will begin meeting on Tuesday, June 20. Read great books and meet with coaches every Tuesday from 5 to 7 pm to discuss books, practice book trivia, enjoy pizza and snacks, and participate in battle-related activities. An All-Star Team will be formed to compete on August 19 against 12 other library teams for the Regional Championship.
 
The high school team is open to students in currently in 9th through 12th grade. Students may sign up by contacting Michelle Rivas, Young Adult Program Assistant, at the Howland Public Library at 313 Main St., Beacon, NY. Give her a call at (845) 831-1134, extension 101, or drop a line to community@beaconlibrary.org.