READ AND WIN! SUMMER READING CHALLENGE AND EVENTS BEGIN JUNE 20

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St, is launching its 2011 Summer Reading Challenge for children birth to age 17 beginning Monday, June 20 and running through Saturday, August 20. Registration may be done beginning June 20 at the main or mobile library, as well as on the library's website at www.racinelibrary.info. Participants, once registered, will be given a reading record and asked to complete a challenge: either to read a specified number of books or to read for a specific amount of time. Once the challenge is completed, reading records are turned in to the main or mobile library, and participants receive a gift and an entry into the library's grand prize drawing. A library card is not needed for participation in the reading challenge, although one is recommended so that full use may be made of the library's many resources. Library cards for all ages are available for free by completing a simple registration form. Forms may be obtained from any library information desk or at the mobile library.

In addition to the reading challenge, the library will be celebrating summer reading through its series of special events. The following programs will offer something of interest to all ages.

Early Childhood Storytimes begin June 21 and will be held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10am in the Youth Services Dept. Two different age appropriate programs are held simultaneously to accommodate different learning levels. Both programs are designed to teach crucial early literacy skills. Children ages 1-3 are invited to sit with their parents in a 20 minute storytime featuring songs, fingerplay, and short stories. Children ages 4-5 who are able to sit independently are invited to attend a longer preschool storytime offering more complex stories and activities. These are drop-in events and no registration is needed to attend.

One World, Many Stories summer programs are designed for kids ages 5-10. The library is offering the following opportunities for kids to experience music, stories, and other fun activities. Some registration is required as listed below. For more information or to register visit the library's website at www.racinelibrary.info or call the Youth Services Department at 262.636.9245.

• Storywagon Series - This series of performances by professional entertainers is held on select Thursdays at 10 am and 1:30 pm in the Youth Services Dept. Thursday, June 23 will feature the storytelling world of Mama Baer; Thursday, June 30 the library hosts the comedic storytelling of entertainer Chris Fascione as he "Brings Literature To Life"; on Thursday, July 14 musicians Fox and Branch will entertain families with an hour of folk music. All programs are free and no registration is necessary.
  
  
• Family Fun Nights - Special activity nights for families looking for some quality time together are held once a month on Thursday evenings at 6:30pm; registration is required. June 23 families will explore the stories we tell through our family connections, creating their own Family Storybook. July 28, families are invited to participate in a game night with board games, Wii gaming, and make & take game crafts. August 25, the library will host an end of summer gathering for families that celebrates our community's unique diversity.
  
  
• Youth Activity Days - Story and activity days are held weekly on Tuesdays at 2:00pm. Registration is required. Themes vary weekly with such topics as Trickster Tales, Global Games, and Art Explorer. Registration is requested.
  
  
• Ruff Readers - The library's award-winning read-to-the-dogs program continues over the summer. Kids ages 6-12 are invited to spend 15 minutes reading to one of our specially-trained listening dogs. This is a relaxed and fun way for kids to practice reading over the summer. Participants may drop-in during the reading times or may call 262.636.9245 to reserve a time slot. The following schedule begins June 21:
  

Mondays @ 10:30am & 4:00 pm
Tuesdays @ 2:30 pm & 4:00 pm
Wednesdays @ 4:00pm
Thursdays@ 2:30pm & 4:30pm

• You Are Here!is the library's series of activity days just for teens ages 12-17. These programs are held on Saturdays at 2:00pm. Registration is required and space is limited for some of the events. Call 262.636.9245 for more information or to register. The following is a schedule of upcoming events:

June 25 - Who Are You? Creative Journaling Workshop
July 9 - Who Are You? Creative Self-Expression
August 6 - You Are Here: Outdoor Adventure (activity TBA)
August 20 - You Are Here: Day of Community Service (activity TBA)

For more information about upcoming library programs and events contact the library at 262.636.9245 or visit the website at racinelibrary.info.