Summer reading kicks off this week at Putnam Library

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Kids can "Catch the Reading Bug" at the Putnam County Library beginning Thursday, May 29. The annual summer reading program is open to young people from preschool age through middle school.

Storytime, movies and prizes as well as a reading log to list the books that are read or listened to are all part of the program. Coupons for prizes can be earned by reading and those completing the program by Aug. 14 will receive a free book.

"Reading during the summer helps children maintain their reading skills. Children who read as little as 15 minutes each day during the summer advance their reading levels by several months," says Children's Librarian Suzanne Hall.

"Those who don't read during the summer months can slide backward by about two months from the end of the school year," she adds.

A wide variety of programs will be available to those in the summer reading program including movies every Monday afternoon beginning on June 2 and ending on July 14. Free popcorn comes with the movies.

Graphic artist and insect expert Jay Hosler is the author of two graphic novels, one about bees. He will speak to children about insects and his passion for drawing during a program on Thursday June 5 at 2 p.m. Hosler is a visiting professor at DePauw University.

Storytime begins Thursday, May 29 and continues every Thursday through July 17. Toddlers are invited to attend at 10 a.m., preschoolers at 11 a.m. and children who have completed kindergarten and up at 3:30 p.m.

Toddlers will hear nursery rhymes, songs, finger plays and stories while older children will hear stories and complete craft projects.

The Silly Safari will visit the library on Monday, Aug. 4 at 2 p.m. This program is all about bugs and the animals that eat them.

All library programs are free. The Putnam County Friends of the Library and Wendy's are sponsors for this year's summer reading program.

For more information about "Catch the Reading Bug" summer program call the Library at 653-2755. Reading logs will be available for pick up beginning Thursday, May 29.

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