The Columbus Public Library is once again offering its annual Summer Reading Program free to the youth of the community. It is estimated that between 20-30% of a child’s reading skill acquired during the school year is lost during the summer months because of the lack of reading. The goal of the summer reading program is to keep children reading during this time.

This summer’s theme is “Dragons, Dreams, and Daring Deeds.” Children participating in the program will have the opportunity to discover a number of fun concepts such as Magic, Fairy Tales, and Dinosaurs.

Activities are offered Monday-Thursday for both the months of June and July. Every Monday, a movie will be shown in the library’s auditorium. Presentations are planed for every Tuesday. We’ve lined up presentations from the Columbus YMCA and The Platte Valley Literacy Association. In addition, two magic shows and a paleontologist are scheduled. These presentations are designed to be educational and interactive. Our regular story times will be offered as well: Wednesdays @ 1:30-3 p.m. and Thursdays @ 10:30-noon. Every week, a different person from the community will be invited to come and share stories they’ve chosen that correspond with that week’s theme. Fridays are set aside for parents and children to take in the library on their own and check out their books.

Reading incentives or prizes are also offered to the students who participate in the program. Children who sign up will receive their very own reading log. Each week, they must read an Easy book. Children reading from chapter books are encouraged to read 30 pages. When they do, they will be given a prize. Prizes range from gift certificates from local community businesses to dragon erasers.

The Summer Reading Program will wrap up with an ice cream party and raffle for those who have completed the program. This will also be the time to see if Mr. H, Columbus Public Library’s Children’s Librarian, will battle a fierce dragon as part of the Summer Reading Challenge. This summer’s challenge is to have the participants read a combined total of 150,000 pages. If this goal is met, Mr. H will face off with the fire-breathing beast!

Registration for the Summer Reading Program begins Tuesday, May 31, and runs all summer. If you have any questions regarding the Summer Reading Program, contact Mr. Hruska at 564-7116.

Also, we haven’t forgotten about the teens. There will be a program geared for them called “Joust Read.” This program will meet four times during the summer. For more information, contact Sally Hansen.