COEUR d'ALENE - Through the Idaho Youth Ranch "Ranch Readers" program, children across the state of Idaho get to read books for free and earn prizes in the process.

Of course, the best prize of all is the book itself.

"I can speak for my whole staff, that's one of our favorite parts of the day, just letting a kid pick out a book for free, seeing their joy and excitement about it," said Sarah Ator, manager of the Coeur d'Alene store.

The Ranch Readers program celebrated its two-year milestone this month and in that time has placed more than 100,000 free books into the hands of Idaho's young readers.

The Ranch Readers program invites children age 17 and younger to visit any IYR thrift store and take home a book of their choice with a Ranch Readers bookmark. Once they read the book, they can bring in the bookmark and have it stamped to receive another free book. A prize is earned for every five books completed, the readers keep the books and the program is always free.

"They love it, I love it," said Carrie Miller of Emmett, mother of five Ranch Readers. "It's instant positive reinforcement. They get a free book, and as soon as they read it they get a stamp and a new book, and after five books they get to pick out a prize. And of course, while we're there, Mom gets to do a little shopping, too."

Peggy Jordan, director of communications for IYR, said the program is a win-win for students, parents, teachers and store staff.

"We hear so many stories about kids who go from being poor readers to reading well above their grade level," Jordan said. "They learn to love reading for the pleasure of it - and they earn prizes and can keep coming back for a new free book every time they finish the last one."

IYR is a nonprofit organization that has been helping at-risk youths for more than 60 years through donations and revenues from its network of 29 thrift stores around the state to fund youth programs and services.

The Coeur d'Alene IYR store is located at 845 N. Fourth St.

Info: 1-877-817-8141 or www.youthranch.org