Library’s summer reading program starts June 19

The 2010 Summer Reading Program, “Make a Splash – READ!” begins Saturday, June 19, at the Orcas Island Public Library.

The program runs until August 14, and is open to children from preschool through middle school. 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 19, registration will be ongoing throughout the summer. Children interested in joining the reading program can enroll at the Library during open hours 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.

This year they’ll be having a weekly drawing for a bag of surprise goodies. All kids who have their reading log checked at the Library during the week will be able to enter their name for that week’s drawing.

A variety of special activities are scheduled during the summer, including a weekly chapter book reading, a special tour of the Journeys exhibit at the Orcas Historical Museum, a Pajama Tales storytime, and a computer animation class. All activity programs are free. Registration is required for some of the activities. For a complete calendar of activities, stop by the Library or check out www.orcaslibrary.org on the Kids & Teens page.

Kids are also invited to be part of the Library’s Summer Reading Program entry in the July 4th Parade. A Summer Reading Program t-shirt will be given to the first 20 kids who show up on parade day to walk in the Library parade entry. For more information, call Nita Couchman at the Library, 376-4985.

Regular weekly storytimes will continue to be Thursdays, 10 to 10:30 a.m., at the Library, and Saturdays, 11:30 to noon, at the Village Green (weather permitting).