Summer reading program underway

Friday saw the official kickoff to the summer reading program through Hot Springs County Library. This year’s theme is “Build a Better World.” Friday marked the opening for registration, but parents are welcome to register their kids anytime during the program, which runs through July 14.

The program is open to kids who will bee in grades 1-5 this fall. They will do their reading at home, and mark their progress on a calendar. Those calendars will be brought in every Friday, and the more they read, the more chances they have to win prizes.

For those in first and second grade, every 30 minutes of reading earns them a sticker on their time log. For every three hours of reading, their names will be put in for the grand prize drawing. Those who read three hours in a week will receive a prize that week.

Those in third, fourth and fifth grade will receive stickers on their time logs for every hour of reading time. For every five hours of reading time, their names will be put in for the grand prize drawing. Kids who read five hours a week will receive a prize that week.

Youth Services Librarian Sandy Medvigy said the weekly prizes will be small items, though the grand prize in each division will be a Kindle e-book reader.

Fridays also mark the special presentations through the program, which include visitors at the library, crafts, games and a field trip. Programs will be 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. June 16, 23 and 30, and July 7 and 14.

Medvigy expressed her appreciation the businesses and community members who donated time, money and prizes to the program, as it would not be possible without them.