For 80 years Smokey Bear has taught kids (and adults) how to prevent forest fires.

To celebrate this Wildfire Prevention campaign, which is the longest-running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history, libraries across the country are hosting reading challenges and Polk County Libraries is participating.

Kids of all ages are invited to celebrate Smokey’s 80th birthday by joining the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge. You can pick up a packet at Columbus Library to get started, and join Smokey in learning about wildfire prevention and the environment. Read books, take action, and have fun!

While this challenge is designed for ages 4 to 10, anyone can participate. The challenge runs through November 30. To learn more about the Smokey Bear campaign, click here.