The Summer Library Program is a free city-wide program meant to encourage children (preschool-grade 8) to continue practicing their reading skills during the summer months. By reading as few as four books over the summer, a child can retain or sharpen skills learned over an entire school year.

Registration began June 2, and over a thousand children and teens in Madison have already registered! You 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

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, State Park passes, and free books!

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

Wednesday, August 6, 10:30 - 2:45
Summer Library Carnival (Central Library and Overture Center for the Arts)
Celebrate reading at this all-day event. Magic and comedy performances of Miller & Mike at 10:30 and 2:00 at the Overture Center, and carnival games, juggling, crafts and more at the Library from 11:45-2.

Tuesday, August 19, 6:30-8:00
Catch the Reading Bug Concert & Picnic (Olbrich Botanical Gardens)
Pack a picnic supper and head to the Gardens for a fun-filled family concert! Get your very own balloon creation at 6:30, then view a family performance by Ken Lonnquist.

The 2008 Summer Library Program was produced with generous sponsorship from Madison Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Madison Public Library, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Overture Center for the Arts, Friends of the Sequoya Branch Library, Friends of the Alicia Ashman Branch Library, Rocky Rococo's Pizza, Noodles & Company, Madison Mallards, and the South Central Library System.