MEXICO — “Read Like a Wild Thing!” is the theme for this year’s children’s summer reading program at the Mexico Public Library. The program will run from June 24 until Aug. 19.
The library will offer the program and reading incentives to readers ages 2-14.
Readers ages 2-5 will receive a prize for every two hours that they spend reading or looking at books with an adult.
Readers ages 6-10 will receive a prize for every three hours spent reading with an adult or by oneself.
Readers ages 11-14 will receive a prize for every five hours spent reading.
Prizes include coupons for free ice cream, pizza and kids’ meals, donated by Frosty Delite, Pizza Hut and Subway. A variety of non-food prizes will also be offered. A “Read Like a Wild Thing!” T-shirt will be given to each participant when they redeem their first two units of reading time.
To sign up for the program, children can come in to the library anytime beginning on Monday, June 10. All children who sign up will receive a free book bag with theme-related items, a reading log, parent letter and a schedule of summer events. Ticket vouchers for a free ticket to a Portland Sea Dogs game will also be available to all summer reading participants.
Again this summer, the library will offer “Terrific Tuesdays!” Most weeks throughout the summer, mostly on Tuesdays, there will be a special program for kids. All programs are free, open to the public and held at the Calvin Lyons Hall, next door to the library. At some events, a donation box will be available for anyone wishing to help defray the cost of the performance.
The following is the schedule for Terrific Tuesdays:
Tuesday, July 2, at 10 a.m., “Startling Snakes!” with Snake Man Rob White.
Tuesday, July 9, at 10 a.m., “Spark’s Ark!” with live animals and animal rescuer David Sparks.
Tuesday, July 16, “Where the Wild things Are!” Party. Kids are encouraged, but not required, to wear a “Wild Thing” costume. There will be games, stories, craft and food.
Tuesday, July 23, “Jolly Juggling!” show and how-to workshop with juggler Steve Corning.
Friday, July 26, at 1 p.m., American Girl Tea Party, featuring American Girl doll Addy, for girls ages 5-12. All girls are invited to bring dolls and come in period costume. American Girl doll Addy was an African-American girl who lived in the U.S. Civil War era of the 1860s.
Tuesday, July 30, at 10 a.m., “Stupendous Science!” hands-on science fun with Bitsy Ionta.
Thursday, Aug. 1, at 10 a.m., Superhero Party for Boys. Boys are invited to dress as their favorite superhero for cartoons, games, prizes and superhero snacks.
Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 10 a.m., Chewonki Foundation presents “Animal Adaptations!” with live animals.
Tuesday, Aug. 13, at 10 a.m., “Lovely Librarians” storytelling with Michelle Boucher-Ladd and Brenda Sassi.
Monday, Aug. 19, at 10 a.m., Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers will present “The Legend of the Banana Kid.” Following this puppet show, reading incentive awards will be given out, followed by a pizza lunch.
For more information contact the library at 364-3281, library@mexicomaine.net or on the Facebook page.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
