Readers in Suffolk are getting oh-so-close to the finish line to reach their goal of 8,000 books before Aug. 4.

Suffolk Public Library’s summer reading challenge only needs 1,649 more books logged as of Monday to turn the page on its lofty goal. They have been tracking their progress since the challenge started on June 16 with Beanstack, the same online platform used in the Winter Reading Challenge held by software company Zoobean and “Shark Tank” billionaire investor Mark Cuban, along with paper options for those that aren’t electronically inclined.

If readers can get the job done in time, then they’ll get to slime three Suffolk Public Library staff members at the Grand Finale Carnival that will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 4 at the vacant lot at the corner of West Washington and Lee streets. Staff will start the voting for its three “lucky” members next week.

Readers have kept things interesting at Suffolk Public Library. Community relations coordinator Angie Sumner recently explained to the Suffolk News-Herald how successful the last two reading challenges have been, with both exceeding their original goals.

“If people are interested and getting into the reading challenges, we consider that when we plan our seasonal programs,” she said.

I hear it all the time from people in Suffolk. They enjoy all of the free programs and services provided at their local library. They bring their kids for “LEGO Mania” or come with their friends for “Stitches in the Stacks.”

“Summer is a fun time, and people are always asking about our summer programs,” Sumner told the Suffolk News-Herald. “People were anticipating something exciting.”

It’s only a matter of time before Suffolk beats the goal and votes for who gets covered in Nickelodeon-esque slime.

“I’m sure we will beat the goal,” Sumner said.