Area libraries are using the theme "Be Creative at Your Library" for summer reading programs.
The Penn Area Library will once again hold a reading program to encourage children to visit the library and offer incentives for a job well done.
"I want the kids to keep reading," children's librarian Pat Cappeta said.
The library offers three reading programs open to all children.
The "Read to Me" club is for children as old as 7. The "Summer Reading Club" is for those 8-12, and the "Teen Reading Club" is for teens as old as 16.
The library has received a positive response from parents who bring their children in for the programs.
"We had over 1,400 registered last summer," Cappeta said, "and it keeps growing every year. This year we are shooting for 1,500."
In addition to offering great reading fun during the summer, the program offers children an incentive.
Participants can earn tickets for their reading that can be used for an end-of-summer raffle.
Small logs are given to children who enter the program, and when each is completed, the children are given tickets that they can use for chances at a large array of prizes.
"When they get their tickets, they can then drop them in the cans for the raffle," Cappeta said. "The more they read, the more tickets that they get."
A set amount of reading hours are recorded on each log that is returned to the library.
When one log is completed, the participants can start another, and some children continue to fill log after log.
"We have some kids who really enjoy reading that will turn in maybe 10 logs a week," Cappeta said. "We have some kids here who love to read."
In addition to the incentive program, the library will host a series of events throughout the summer that include Stage Right performances, a magic show, a puppet show, a visit from "The Bird Guy" and Anastasia the therapy dog.
Programs also include music, the second annual worm race, Dog Beard the Pirate, an art program and show, and a concert.
"We're always looking for something for the teens to do," Cappeta said of the July 22 concert, which will feature the local band "No Remorse."
Keeping kids' creativity active after school is done for the summer is a key factor for parents to bring their children to the library.
"He got a 98 in reading, and we don't want to lose that," parent Rayni DePhillippo said of the reasoning for signing up her son, Cole, for the program. "I want him to keep learning, and I think that reading is very important. I'm a big reader, and I want him to enjoy it, too."
Registration for the program began Monday and will continue through July 18. Children can begin to turn in completed logs June 15.
Registration takes a few minutes and is available online in the library.
"This program promotes the love of reading, and it helps to enhance reading skills," Cappeta said. "The key is for them to read. This is open to any child in the area who loves to read."
For information on the Penn Area reading program, call 724-744-4414.
