Orcas Library's 'Reading Bug' program bites down June 21

The 2008 Summer Reading Program, “Catch the Reading Bug,” begins Saturday, June 21, at the Orcas Island Public Library. The program runs from June 21 to August 2, and is open to children of all ages, from preschool to young adult. Parents of preschoolers are encouraged to enroll their children and read aloud with them as part of the reading program.

Although the first day of registration for the summer reading program is Saturday, June 21, registration may be done any time during the six-week program. Children interested in joining the reading program can come any time the Library is open to enroll and pick up their reading program packets. Children will receive “library dollars” for books they read, which can then be used to “buy” popular paperback books from the Reading Program “Store” at the Library. Library dollars can be earned for books read through the last day of the program, August 2.

As part of the Summer Reading Program, three free workshops for children ages 7 to 12 will be presented by Alice Hibberd, a naturalist from the San Juan Nature Institute. All classes will take place at the library and will be limited to 12 children, so sign up early to reserve your spot. Children may sign up at the Library for one or more of these free sessions.

The first program will be on Wednesday, June 25, from 1 to 3 p.m., and will be titled “What’s Buggin’ You?” An insect “sculpture” will be created in order to learn about insect bodies. Insects, bugs, and spiders will be compared using field tools and detective skills.

The second program will be on Wednesday, July 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. and will be titled “Insect Predators and Prey.” Children will explore the role of insects in the food chain, and will test their survival skills in fun games.

The third program will be on Wednesday, July 23, from 1 to 3 p.m. and will be titled “Six-Legged Creatures in Your Nature Journaling.” Focus will be on observing and drawing shapes, habitats, and activities of insects. Art and poetry will be explored as ways to express discoveries.

Other special summer activities for kids include participation in the 4th of July Parade entry for the Library, a Pajama Party Storytime with special guest readers on July 31 at 7 p.m., and Children’s Craft booths at the Library Fair on August 9. Come to the Library to sign up for any of these activities.

The regular weekly schedule of family storytimes will continue to be Thursdays, 10:30 – 11 a.m., at the library, and Saturdays, 11:30 – noon, at the Village Green (weather permitting).

Please stop by the library for a detailed schedule of summer activities for kids. All programs are free of charge and are open to all children. Library hours are Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about any of these programs, please contact Nita Couchman, Children’s Librarian, at 376-4985.

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