By By JESSICA SIEFF / Niles Daily Star
BUCHANAN – The summertime is a great time to catch up on a little reading – and the Buchanan Public Library is hoping to see many do just that as they prepare for their adult and children's summer reading programs.
Sign-up starts on June 2 for both programs which officially start June 16 and end July 29. The children's program will end with a celebratory picnic on July 30. The library hopes to see readers throughout the area take part in the program and "catch the reading bug." Literally.
This year's children's theme is "Catch the Reading Bug." Kids -from newborn to 17 – who sign up for the program have to read six books in six weeks, said Youth Librarian Julie Blaylock.
For younger children and infants – they can count any books that are read to them. The kids can choose the books they want to read and keep track of them in a log they can pick up at the library. "They have to read at least six books," Blaylock says in order to get a "free bag of goodies" and a free book to take home at the end of program.
"I think it promotes reading throughout the summer," Blaylock says. "It's very important."
The theme ties into the addition of some special residents at the Buchanan Public Library. Recently, Blaylock personally donated three Madagascar hissing cockroaches. She says visitors can come in and take a closer look at the insects at any time. "I'm always happy to get them out for anyone who wants to look at them," she says.
For parents and adults alike, the year's theme is "Pollinate Your Mind." Adults, who take part in the program, will receive a free bag of seeds at the time of sign up, in keeping with the outdoorsy themes and "can read anything in our circulation" said Darla Draper, who is in circulation at the library.
Adults must read at least four books as part of their program. Those who do can choose a free hardcover from selected titles at the library. Draper says titles include those by authors James Patterson, Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts and more.
If they read just two books more, Draper says those participants will have their names entered into a drawing for a nature and garden related grand prize.
Draper says the program is "just a wonderful opportunity to read different authors." The reading program along with the library's special Madagascar visitors gives area readers an opportunity to explore new authors, explore new books and explore a bit of the exotic this summer.
More information about this program and others taking place at Buchanan Public Library can be found at www.buchananlibrary.org.