School's out and reading is in at PCPL

The 2011 Summer Reading Program will begin at the Putnam County Public Library Wednesday, June 1.

For the Children's Division, youngsters can pick up a reading log from the library at 103 E. Poplar St., the bookmobile, or download one from the library's website (available June 1) , www.putnam.lib.in.us.

During each visit to the library or the bookmobile, participants can present their reading log and receive a prize. After the fourth visit a free book and certificate of completion will be awarded.

Teens, ages 13 to 17, can pick up a "Passport to the World" from the library or bookmobile or download one from the website. Each week there will be a different genre to read in order to be entered into a drawing for great prizes, such as boxed sets of Hunger Games, City of Embers, or pre-paid bank cards.

Starting June 1, Read-Away Your Fines -- so those pesky fines don't keep you from joining the Summer Reading Program -- is an easy, fun way to get your account back on track for those age 18 and under. For every 15 minutes of reading, $ will be taken off over-due charges. Be sure to check in at the Children's Desk before beginning.

This summer there will be a Monday Midday Matinee at noon, featuring a variety of G-rated movies to entertain all ages. Each Tuesday there will be Family Time at 7 p.m., and every Wednesday at 4 p.m. there will be a program geared toward young adults.

Story Time returns every Thursday with Toddler Time at 10 a.m., Preschool Time at 11 a.m., and Tween Time at 4 p.m.

Brick Club will continue the second Wednesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. Bring your imagination and love for building with Legos.

The first of two special programs will take place Thursday, June 16 at 3 p.m. Professor Atom, a wacky scientist who recently discovered his five senses, will share his knowledge. Part magic, but all science, this show will entertain and thrill all ages.

After the show on June 16, stay and board the train -- the Imagination Library train! Imagination Library is a national program that provides, at no cost to the family, a new age-appropriate book every month to each child enrolled from birth to age 5. Sign-up takes just a few minutes.

The Putnam County Public Library received a start-up grant from the Putnam County Community Foundation and with the help from the Friends of the Library will bring Imagination Library to Putnam County. Family Support Services and Putnam County Head Start are also partners. The program is open to all families of Putnam County, and for all children up to age five.

Summer is a busy time at the library. Patrons can stop by to pick up brochure or log onto the website (www.putnam.lib.in.us) to learn more.