May 26, 2009 - Madison, WI - Madison Public Library's annual Summer Library Program begins June 1, 2009.

The Summer Library Program is a free city-wide program meant to encourage children and teens to continue practicing their reading skills during the summer months. By reading as few as four books over the summer, a young child can retain or sharpen skills learned over an entire school year.

Children and teens can register one of two ways: go to your local Madison Public Library location and fill out a registration card, or sign up online at http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/youth/slp

This self-paced program can fit around busy summer schedules and keeps kids reading over the summer so they're ready for school in the fall. Kids (or parents and caregivers) keep track of reading time: for every five books or five hours of reading, children receive a prize at the library. Prizes include free food coupons, free books, and free passes to local events. Teens going into grades 7-12 also have the opportunity to enter their name into a college scholarship drawing upon completion of the program.

In addition to the independent summer reading program, the nine Madison Public Library locations offer multiple interactive art, drama, music, and gaming programs centered around the themes of "Be Creative" and "Express Yourself". Teens can compete in a city-wide gaming tournament, and readers grades 5 and up can choose favorite titles for the Favoreads and Teen's Choice Awards.

Find out more about the Summer Library Program and the many events happening at the library at http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/youth/slp or call your local library. And don't forget to save the date for these three special programs:

Be Creative Concert & Picnic
Tuesday, August 4, 6:30 p.m. at Olbrich Botanical Gardens (3330 Atwood Avenue)
Pack a picnic supper and head to the Gardens for a fun-filled family concert. Come rain or shine at 6:30 p.m. to find the hidden artists and play with bubbles. At 7:00 p.m., David Landau will get you singing and laughing while you munch.

Summer Library Carnival!
Tuesday, August 11, 10:30 a.m. at the Overture Center for the Arts (201 State Street) and the Central Library
Celebrate reading at this event co-sponsored by the Overture Center for the Arts and the Madison Public Library. Enjoy the magical and comedic stylings of Miller & Mike during a performance at 10:30 a.m. at Overture. At 11:15, go next door to the Central Library for carnival games, crafts and more.

Favoreads & Teen's Choice Awards Ceremony
Friday, August 28, 7 p.m. at the Sequoya Branch Library (4340 Tokay Boulevard, 266-6385)
Pick up a Favoreads or Teen's Choice packet at any Madison Public Library location and start reading. Participate in a Book Chat, vote online, or attend the Favoreads & Teen Choice Awards Ceremony to celebrate the winning titles with cake and drinks. Register beginning August 1 by calling 266-6385.

The 2009 Summer Library Program was produced with generous sponsorship from Madison Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Madison Public Library, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Overture Center for the Arts, Rocky Rococo's Pizza, Noodles & Company, Madison Mallards, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA), EdVest, KnowHow2GoWisconsin, and the South Central Library System.