The DeKalb Public Library will introduce a Teen Reader category to its annual summer reading program to draw in more teens.

The DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., joins libraries across the nation to hold a reading program to promote literacy. The reading program will be held June 16 to Aug. 10. The theme this year is Paws for a Read, and there will be references to dogs throughout the eight-week program.

Library communications manager Edith Craig said the number of participants has increased every year, but the organizers hope to have an even better turnout this year.

“[Last summer] we had over 1,200 children involved, but the adult numbers are pretty sad compared to that. We had close to 200 adults last year,” Craig said.

Five reading categories already exist, but there was not one just for teen readers. Along with the category for teenagers there will continue to be categories for babies ages 0 to 2 years old and three categories for children divided by reading level. The level the child enters will be chosen by the child and their guardian.

Craig said the library offers incentives that will only be available to DeKalb-area residents.

“This year the kids will be thrown an exclusive party featuring Pocket Circus, games and activities for children who complete the summer reading log,” Craig said.

Adults who complete five books for their reading log over the course of the program will be entered in a raffle to receive gift certificates to local restaurants. New this year, with the addition of the teen reading program, will be a Kindle Fire to be raffled away at the end of the summer to a participant in the teen reading program.

Library tween coordinator Darcy Tatlock said the Kindle can be used to check out books electronically at the library. Participants can read as many books as they want to complete more reading logs to increase their chances of winning the raffle.

Teen librarian Steven Roman said studies have shown people who read more while young are more likely to read in adulthood as well as vote and support the arts.

“The library is a safe place for teens, and we have a lot of teen-based programming that is … so educational and fun they don’t even know they’re learning,” Roman said.

Signup for the free reading program will begin on June 16 and be available anytime while the program is running up until its end date on Aug. 10.