Reading to dogs and learning to play a recorder are among the new offerings at the public library’s Summer Reading Program, said children’s librarian Holly Davis. The program is open to readers from newborn to age 12 and starts May 25, the day after school lets out.
“When your child sleeps in, then wakes up wondering where everyone is, they don’t have to wonder. All their friends will be at the library,” Davis said. The annual program offers prizes as incentives to read and also features programs including Spanish lessons, fairy tale theater, a gardeners’ club, and nature walks.
Programs are offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., until Aug. 3.
Davis said “Hank,” a dog owned by Randa Szymanski, and “Dancer,” owned by Nancy Seright, have been certified as “listening dogs.” Students can take turns reading them stories at 4 p.m. Mondays, she said.
At 3 p.m. Mondays, Davis will provide instruction on “song flutes,” also called recorders. Participants can win a flute of their own by attending the class on three consecutive Mondays, while supplies last, Davis said.
Other programs include Mother Goose stories, Puppeteers, Detective Time, and Ukulele Jam.
The program’s treasure chest holds classic toys ranging from Slinkys to “beautiful bookmarks,” Davis said.