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Lafayette Public Library heats up reading Friday

by Kari Walker

The solution to summer boredom also promotes literacy for young readers.




The Lafayette Public Library Summer Reading Program Kickoff Celebration will be held Friday, May 31, from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. at the South Regional Library, 6101 Johnston St.

Library staff has designed a day that makes literacy fun. Readers of all ages can sign up at the event for the summer reading program while enjoying a little entertainment. There will be a musical performance by Johnette Downing called Reading Rocks, a petting zoo by Zoo-Zoom, crafts and refreshments.

The summer reading program consists of three groups. Up to age 13 can enjoy reading by logging minutes when they read age level material or were read to by someone else. They can even log time spent reading to a non-reader - what a great way to get siblings sharing the gift of literacy. Activities throughout the summer include storytelling at parish branches, crafts, music and puppetry. Visit the summer reading website for details on prizes readers can earn for their hard work.

The teen and adult programs encourage further development of the love of reading and exploration. In addition to logging reading time online, the library staff has programmed events for teens, such as those on design and dance while adult activities include free concerts and even a home remedy class.

A big incentive of the teen and adult programs is definitely the prize opportunity. "Both teen and adult readers can log their books online and will be entered in a drawing to win a Nook HD Tablet [one for teens and one for adults]," says Library Community Services Coordinator Beth Chiasson.

For branch locations, hours of operation and program details, visit the Lafayette Public Library website.