Summer reading program starts July 7

Cathlamet Public Library’s Summer Reading Program starts July 7 and will be held every Wednesday for six-weeks, through August 11. Sessions include: pre-school story time at 11 a.m., elementary school age program and the middle school program at 4 p.m. Sessions last about one hour.

Summer Reading is free and is open to local kids as well as those who are visiting for the summer.

This year’s program “Make a Splash” will be run by Toni Hardy. She was a children’s librarian at North Central Regional Library Wenatchee before moving to Cathlamet. Rebecca Frank is coordinating story-time and Jessica Vik treats.

Summer Reading 2010 will begin with a “Wet and Wild Fun Kick Off” to be held in the lot next door to the Library. Other sessions will include boat building, a sea serpent party, a Ruth Doumit art project and a high seas pirate adventure. Activities each week will include story time, crafts, games, treats and prizes for independent reading.

Parents consistently cite summer as the most difficult time to ensure that their children have productive things to do. Research proves that children who read during the summer do much better in school in the fall. Entice your kids to read their way through summer by attending the Library's Summer Reading Program. They'll read books, earn prizes, and get smart!

Last year approximately 50 youngsters, ages 3-12, participated in Summer Reading. Together they read over 800 books. This year should be even bigger as youth library customers have checked out 40 percent more books in 2010 compared to the same period last year.

Generous community support makes this program possible. Dixie Swart (795-8444) is coordinating fund raising on behalf of the Library Foundation. Please also consider becoming a Summer Reading Volunteer. For more information, call 795-3254 or e-mail connielib@centurytel.net.