By Nick Moase

THE ADVANCE

NovaNewsNow.com

Laugh Out Loud (LOL) is the theme for this year’s Summer Reading Program taking place at the Thomas H. Raddall Library.

Starting on June 30 children, up to 12 can take part in the program. The program will be going on at the Liverpool Library and all branches of the South Shore Regional Library system.

Children will get a logbook to keep track of their progress, and there will be prizes along the way. After every five books they get to pick a prize from the treasure chest, and at 25 they will be rewarded with stickers and a poster. Their name will also be entered in a contest for a LOL t-shirt.

Teresa Workman, the Public Relations Coordinator for the SSRL says that programs like these are important because it is very easy to let your reading skills slip during the summer. She added that this isn’t going to be like a chore.

“Nobody wants homework in the summer. But reading for enjoyment isn’t homework. It’s fun,” said Workman.

Silly Stuff is the outreach program that is going on at the same time. The program held on Mondays in the Thomas H. Raddall library from 1:30 - 2:30pm, Greenfield at the rec centre from 10-11 am, and the Port Medway Fire Hall from 3-4pm on Wednesdays.

There will be story readings from the likes of Robert Munsch, Dav Pilkey (Captain Underpants), James Marshall, Jon Sciezka, Glen Murray (Walter the Farting Dog), Dr. Seuss, Doreen Cronin, Judi Barrett and more.

Along with the readings there will be jokes, crafts, tongue twisters and brainteasers, all with and emphasis on fun.

Parents can get involved with their children’s reading skills at home as well.

“Reading with your children is most important” said Workman. “It doesn’t have to be just books. Read the newspaper to them, or let them help you read recipes.”

Libraries across the country are taking part in the program, which was designed by the Toronto Public Library and is sponsored by the Toronto Dominion Bank.

For more information about either program, contact the Thomas H. Raddall Library at 354-5270.