Reading program will 'bug' kids

The Mountain Home Public Library will soon kick off its Summer Reading Program during the month of July.

The theme for this year's event will be "Catch The Reading Bug" for kids and "Metamorphosis at your Library" for teenagers.

Enrollment is open for the event and can be done anytime after June 23. To sign up, readers need a current library card and a parent/guardian needs to be present to fill out the application form. Students living outside of the city limits will receive a free temporary library card, thanks to the library board.

Beginning June 30 the readers can drop by the library on Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to collect their weekly prize.

Preschool and first grade students will be able to draw pictures that represent something they enjoyed from the books that were read to them. The library will provide paper for whichever medium the child will use, such as crayon, watercolor or collage.

Students second grade and up will fill out a simple book report page, which could be picked up when a book is checked out. The report page gives a chance for the reader to let the library know what they thought about what they read.

The books must come from the library's collection and be kept overnight. There will be no time for reports or pictures on Family Nights after 5 p.m.

Other program rules include, that each reader bring books, a book log, reports or pictures and incentive sheets, that a reader must not check out a book with someone else's card and only one reading prize will be awarded each week.

The Family Nights during the Summer Reading Program will feature bug storytelling by Joy Steiner on July 8, entomologist from Boise State University Ian Robertson on July 15, and a Carnegie Library/Bug Scavenger Hunt on July 22. The scavenger hunt will allow the children to scurry through the library finding random "bugs," with history of the library printed on them.

The 5th Annual Tortilla Party will be on July 29 in Carl Miller Park from 5:30-7 p.m. The party will feature 1908 games, where the children will get to play marbles and "Kick the Wickey." Those who attend all Family Night events will be eligible for the Grand Prize Drawing to be held during the Tortilla Party.

The library is looking forward to a turnout like last year, when 300 children signed up and in total read 2,400 books.

"The Summer Reading Program is great for the library and we're looking forward to having a good time with the kids," said librarian Robin Murphy.

For more information on the Summer Reading Program, drop by the library or call the circulation desk at 587-4716 or 580-2051.