The 2009 Summer Reading Program, “Be Creative,” begins Saturday, June 20, at the Orcas Island Public Library.

The program runs until Aug. 22, and is open to preschool through middle school children. Parents of preschoolers are encouraged to enroll their children and read aloud with them as part of the program.

Children may enroll throughout the summer and pick up their reading program packets. Participants receive library dollars for books read, which can be used to purchase paperbacks from the library’s Reading Program store. There will be a weekly drawing for a bag of surprise goodies for all kids who have their reading log checked at the Library during the week.

Weekly “BE CREATIVE” activity programs will be held on Wednesday afternoons from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. No registration is required for activity programs.

For a complete calendar, stop by the Library or visit 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. The activity July 1 will be decorating paper masks to wear in the 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

Other special events include Orcas Storyfest & Pajama Tales on the evening of Aug. 5, and Children’s Craft booths at the Library Fair on Aug. 8. There will be a children’s concert with special guest Hans Mayer on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 23 on the Library lawn.

Family storytimes will continue to be Thursdays, 10 to 10:30 a.m., at the Library, and Saturdays, 11:30 a.m. to noon, at the Village Green as long as weather permits.

Programs are free of charge and are open to all children. Library hours are Monday through 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.