By By EMILY DREITZLER / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Niles Public Library kicked off its annual summer reading program this past Monday. The theme of this year's summer reading program is Dragons, Dreams, and Daring Deeds.
"I have been to different communities, but the parents and teachers in the Niles community seem much more caring and willing to help their children read then what I have seen in different areas," Jackson said.
Summer reading calendars are used for the participant to record the number of minutes read each day. Calendars are divided into three categories based on if the reader is a child, young adult, or adult.
Once the reading minutes are tallied, the calendar are returned to the library during the special check-in weeks and prizes based on the number of minutes read by the individual are awarded.
Special drawings are also held at the end of each check-in week so more prizes can be distributed.
The first check-in week for children is June 20-25 and special drawings will be held on June 25 and July 9. For young adults and adults, the first check-in week is June 27-July 2 and special drawings will be held July 2 and July 16.
Prizes include balloons, bookmarks, picture frames, key chains and other fun items for children, food coupons to various fast food establishments for young adults, and free books for adults.
The grand prize drawings will be at the summer reading Grand Finale on Aug. 7 during Riverfest.
Those interested in participating can pick up a summer reading calendar at the Niles District Library.
The summer reading program also features storytimes for all ages every Monday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. and every Tuesday and Thursday at 1:30 p.m.
Each storytime will maintain a different theme that relates to the main theme of this year's summer reading program. Themes being presented throughout the summer include Knights in Shining Armor, Regal Royalty, Dragon Tales, Jesters and Troubadours, Damsels in Distress, and many more.
Older children who attend storytime receive a craft bag that coincides with the weekly storytime theme. Younger children will receive coloring pages.
For more details on the Niles Public Library summer reading program, you can contact the library at 683-8545 ext. 4.
The Niles Public Library is located at 620 E. Main St.