The library’s annual summer reading program kicks off 11 a.m. Friday, May 23, with food and activities at the public library.
“This year, it seems like more people are partnering with the summer reading program, and I think that’s going to make it more effective than ever,” said children’s librarian Holly Davis.
The kickoff will include pizza, a puppet show, sing-along songs, and temporary tattoos. Science camp director Tracy Wirak will conduct a “flashy” science experiment, reflecting this year’s science theme: “Fizz, Boom, Read.”
Davis will be conducting science experiments throughout the summer, including exploding a volcano every Monday at 3 p.m.
Children also will get a free book during the event through The Children’s Reading Foundation of Haines’ “Read Up: Stop the Summer Slide” program. Program director Alissa Henry will give a book to each child up to age 8 every other Friday at 11 a.m. through the summer.
Science-themed T-shirts will be available at the kickoff for $5.
Davis expects at least 50 children through age 12 to attend the kickoff. Readers will receive an official reading log, pencil, and folder.
Throughout the summer, young readers will win prizes or books for reading milestones. “They’re going to be given books. They’re going to be winning books. They’re going to be reading up a storm,” she said.
Age-appropriate prizes are available for the youngest readers, including children whose parents read to them.
Instead of a prize, readers may opt to have a $5 donation made to Heifer International, an organization that provides farm animals to needy families.
Children who fill out their entire reading log, completing 50 books or chapters, win a Beanie Baby.
Teens and adults also can participate in the program by entering a ticket for a drawing after reading a book. The drawing will be held at the end of the summer for prizes.
This is Davis’ 15th year running the program, which ends Aug. 8, when the Chilkat Dancers are scheduled to perform a drum and dance finale. A Native Youth Olympics event also will be held on the library lawn.