Summer reading programs kick off at parish libraries

Starting June 5, children can register for the annual summer reading program at any library branch in St. Charles Parish.

The theme for this year's program is "Paw to Read" and the program is full of exciting activities for youngsters of all ages.

The goal is to get kids to continue to read over the summer. "When kids read over the summer they go back to school with the fundamentals of reading still fresh on their minds. Children who don't stay active in reading over the summer can suffer when they return to school in the fall," said Marci Saucier, Youth Services Librarian for St. Charles Parish.

When a child registers for the reading program, they will receive a reading log, bookmark and have their name posted on the wall with other young readers at the library.

Participants can read whatever they wish including required books for school, fiction or non-fiction, magazines, newspapers, websites, cereal boxes or anything else that encourages reading in children. When the young reader reaches their reading goal they will receive an award. Awards will be available from June 5 to August 31. Participants will receive a certificate of completion for six hours of reading and an advancement sticker for twelve hours to 18 hours of reading. For 24 hours of reading, kids are eligible for a reading medal.

Special activities planned for the program include crafts for teens, story time, pet care, planetarium shows and a Teddy Bear Picnic. Guest performers will also delight youngsters with talent such as Philip Melancon who will present a funny tuneful evening of musical hilarity and Willy Claflin will perform musical puppetry with his friend Maynard Goose & Mother Moose stories just to name a few.

The mascot of the summer reading program will be hiding somewhere in the parish. Any child who finds the Happy Reading Cat and brings it back to any branch will receive a very special prize. So kids, keeps those eyes peeled for Happy Reading Cat, he could be catnapping just under your nose.

The summer reading program is for children of all ages and registration is open to any child in any parish or state. If you are interested in having your child join the fun of the Summer Reading Program, you can register at any branch of the St. Charles Parish Libraries.