Like to read? Summer reading programs abound for children and school aged  young people but once you leave the hallowed halls there are few incentives to read in the summer… or are there? Several cities are promoting adult summer reading programs.

The Brooklyn Public Library offers a prize to each person who enters and readers may also write book reviews. Those who do will be entered into a drawing for a prize.

The Chicago Public Library has Land of Lincoln Readers this summer with suggested titles. All you need to do is complete a form with your name, and the author and title of two books that you between June 15 and Aug 1and you can receive a tote bag.

The Seattle Public Library’s program allows readers to post reviews which will be shared with other readers.

The Manhattan (Kansas) Public Library offers a program where readers enter every book that they read in the summer for a chance at a weekly and grand prize.

Austin, Texas’ library system allows readers to complete an entry form for a prize for each every three books read.

People who are readers will read in the summer, winter, fall and spring too. Though incentives and prizes work for the reluctant reader in all of us. More libraries offer summer reading programs for kids and those programs offer prizes such as t-shirts, end of the summer parties and other goodies. Sometimes even as an adult it’s nice to have a little incentive to read too.

This morning before 8 a.m., it was 80 degrees.

Last week it was on the cool side for June. This mean it is time to turn on the air conditioner.

To save money but still stay cool, close the blinds or drapes and run the fan. This way the air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard. The newer more efficient energy star air conditioners make a difference in your electric bill. Just because it is 90 outside, doesn’t mean that you need to have your air conditioning set at 68. Air-conditioning units also remove humidity from the air so a 72 or 74 degree setting with a fan going and shades drawn will make it very comfortable inside.

If you have peak periods of sun near your home, keep the curtains drawn during that time. Even if it is early, the sun can really heat up your home and your air conditioner will have to work harder. Generally, there is enough outside light, so you don’t have to turn the lights on either.

Fans do not use as much electricity as air conditioning units. If you aren’t home during the day, use a timer to turn the ac on an hour or so before you get there, so the house will be cooler. Keep the shades and blinds closed during the day so that your home won’t be as hot.

For walkers, runners and bikers, don’t go out in the peak of the day unless you have to, and drink plenty of water.

Stay cool!