Summer reading programs for grown-ups

Okay, this isn't actually a summer-specific program, but it does sound like a grown-up take on the incentive programs most public libraries offer when school gets out: according to Publishers Weekly, Penguin has launched a new program called First to Read. The publisher is hoping will the program will use social-networking buzz and sneak peeks to promote upcoming books and encourage readers to share information about the titles with friends.

The program's participants will earn points that will allow them to access excerpts from forthcoming books, request e-galleys, and enjoy (unspecified) additional member rewards. First To Read is free, but does require a Facebook account to sign up. The featured books will run the genre gamut, but confirmed upcoming titles include books by Julie Garwood, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Delia Ephron.