Saline County Library set to begin summer reading programs

By The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

BENTON — The seventh annual teen summer reading program will begin Monday, and the fourth annual adultsonly summer reading program has kicked off at both library branches.

Registration for the adult program is open through Saturday, July 18, and may be completed by calling or visiting either library. The 2009 teen reading program titled Express Yourself at Your Library is open to teens ages 13-18 and will last through Saturday, Aug. 1. Registration is not required.

Participating teens will use coupon books with different tasks on each page to track their summer reading efforts according to former Young Adult Librarian, now Head of Adult Services, Jessica McGrath.

McGrath said participants may begin picking up coupon books at either library location at the beginning of July and then choose which coupons to complete.

She added that there is no limit to the number of coupons or coupon books that teens can complete, and each teen who completes at least five coupons will receive a summer reading T-shirt.

The completed coupons can be turned in at either library location until Saturday, Aug. 1, and prize drawings will be held every Monday for the duration of the program.

The 2009 adult program is titled Master the Art of Readingand allows participants 18 and older to receive points by reading or listening to books of their choice and by attending special library events.

One point per book and three points per event will be awarded up to a maximum of 20 points.

Eligible adult summer reading events for July include craft classes, Wii Fit, a performance by harpist Pamela Gibson, history/genealogy classes and others.

McGrath emphasized the need for participants to sign the attendance sheet at every event they attend for the libraries' records.

A complete list of events and details for both programs can be found at www.saline.lib. ar.us.

For questions, more information or to register for adult summer reading program, call the Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library at (501) 778-4766 or the Bryant Library at (501) 847-2166.

Tri-Lakes, Pages 62 on 07/02/2009