The Estevan Area Literacy Group is urging people to spend at least 15 reading on International Literacy Day, which takes place on Wednesday, September 8.

Picking up a book, reading a newspaper or sharing a story with a child are ways that people can meet the Read for 15 Challenge.

Participants spent nearly 17,000 minutes reading last year on International Literacy Day, the Estevan Area Literacy Group said.

This year’s goal is to eclipse last year’s record. Employers can encourage their staff to read during a coffee break or lunch hour. Sign-up sheets are circulating in businesses, staff rooms, congregations, schools, waiting rooms and other locations in the community.

Prizes will be given to the company or organization with the most participants and the most minutes read, and the individual with the most minutes. Additional prizes could be offered.

Groups and individuals need to e-mail or fax their results to the literacy group by 4:30 p.m. on September 13 to have a chance to win.