Now that school is over for the summer in Greene County, youth are encouraged to join the children’s summer reading program at the Jefferson Public Library.

Children’s Librarian Terry Clark says this year’s theme is “Every Hero Has A Story” and it highlights both superheroes from comic strips, movies and books to local heros in the community.

There will be weekly crafts and activities, plus games and movies in the children’s department.  Clark points out that the crafts are come-and-go and the movies will be shown at 12:30pm on Wednesdays in the basement of the library.  Special guests for the summer reading program include animals with the Blank Park Zoo on June 9th and a juggler on July 13th, plus surprise, local guest speakers as well.

Prizes will be awarded to those who complete the program and activity packet, including the grand prize of a new bicycle, which Clark adds will be given to the person who reads the most minutes.  She explains why they changed it from total number of books read to total minutes.

“When you think of a child reading a board book, in comparison to an older child reading a large chapter book, we think it’s a little fairer way to do this.  And we think it’s important for the kids to read by setting aside so many minutes each day for the children to read, we think it’s going to work a little bit better.”

It is for any youth ages four years-old through fifth grade.  The program starts June 1st.  Stop by the children’s department to sign up or for more information at 386-4415.