The Chattanooga Public Library will kick off their children's summer reading program “Dig into Reading” with celebrations at all library locations, on Saturday, May 18. Registration will continue through July 13 and may be done on-line through the library’s website at www.chattlibrary.org. The summer reading program is designed for children from birth through 12 years of age.
Ventriloquist, storyteller and comic illusionist Gene Cordova will perform at the Downtown Library at 11 a.m. and at the Northgate branch at 2 p.m.
Chattanooga zookeepers will bring animals and talk about why they dig at the Eastgate branch at 1 p.m. Patricia Balloona, balloon artist, will make balloon animals for children at the South Chattanooga branch at 2 p.m.
The Chattanooga Pubic Library has revamped the traditional summer reading program. New for 2013, instead of filling out logbooks, children can pick-up or download a game board to play. When young readers complete a portion of the game board, they will come in to the library to receive a prize.
“The program is still literacy-based, but we have included a digital literacy component for the first time,” said Lee Hope, Youth Services coordinator. “Another change we’ve made to enhance the program is the way we reward our participants. Instead of giving out prize packets at the end of the summer, families will now have more time to use their children’s prize coupons before school starts.”
During the summer, children can attend special programs focusing on this year’s theme. Programs include Digging on the Beach, Creepy Crawlies, Dinosaurs, Underground Animals, Gardens and more.
A Grand Finale will be held on July 27, at the First Tennessee Pavilion with games, door prizes, storytelling, food and fun. Contact the library at 757-5314 for information about the Children’s Summer Reading Program.