County summer reading program filled with fun

There's a saying that books open up windows on the world. Organizers of the 2004 St. Louis County Summer Reading program are offering all sorts of experiences to go along with book reading.

The program's theme is "Discover New Trails." That's in honor of the 200th anniversary of the Lewis&Clark Corps of Discovery exploration.

The county's program kicks off for younger kids, up to 12 years of age, with three outdoor parties on Saturday, June 5. Hours at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The parties will be at:

• North County Recreation Complex, 2577 Redman Ave.
• Suson Park in South County, at 6073 Wells Road.
• Faust Park in West County, at 15185 Olive Blvd.

Older kids, ages 12 to 18, kick off their reading program with a bowling party on Friday, June 4, beginning at 6:30 p.m. It will be at the AMF Strike "N Spare bowling lanes, 1309 N. Lindbergh. (Twelve-year-old kids can participate in both of the reading programs.)

The reading plan also involves events and activities throughout the summer at branch libraries. Be sure to keep track of the local library schedules by going to the St. Louis County Library website at www.stcl.lib.mo.us.

Also, there are prizes to be won for different levels of book reading activity. Details of the prizes offered will be available closer to the opening of the program.

But, one major feature is the ability to qualify for St. Louis Cardinal baseball tickets. Kids are entered in the ticket drawing after reaching the 2nd Level of reading activity. That involves reading for 700 minutes and submitting a reading log to your library.

The Cardinals have offered over 1,200 pairs of tickets for the drawing. That's one ticket for a kid and another for an accompanying adult.

There are three reading levels in the prize program. After reaching each level, kids will receive prizes. The different reading levels are: Level 1-260 minutes of reading; Level 2-700 minutes, and Level 3-1,300 minutes.

The county's summer reading program is a popular one. Last year, over 18,500 kids participated. To join, check at the library headquarters or any of the 19 branch libraries.

For the library closest to you, again check at the library website at www.slcl.lib.mo.us.

Each of the June 5 outdoor kickoff parties has its own schedule of activities and events.

At Suson Park, master entertainer Troy Roark will do juggling and magic. The Elsenpeter Marionettes will have show about Tom Sawyer. A sing-a-long and balloon sculptures by Chapau are included.

At Faust Park, there is an S&S Farms exotic petting zoo. Adventure tales will be performed. Magician Eldon Roark will have a Magical Reading Trail show. Juggling Jeff also will perform.

At North County Recreation Complex, S&S Farms has another exotic petting zoo. A Frilly and Miller Show with music, movement and audience participation is also included.

Don't forget the Ending Party at the Library Headquarters. This is a celebration of reading accomplishments along with light refreshments and crafts. There also will be an appearance of Biscuit the Dog.

Throughout the summer, individual branches schedule special events. Check your local branch library for dates and times.

Many branches have adventure movies are scheduled. They include "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," "Spy Kids," "Star Wars IV," the "Three Musketeers" and others.

You need to check your branch library for scheduled showing times. Several branches have Monday and Friday movie nights.

The Adventures of LewLew and Cluck, as performed by Bebe the Clown is set for several branches. This is the story of a brave lion and a cute chicken in search of a new land.

Adventure Tales involving knights, dragons and other magical beings also are scheduled at several branches.

Some of the other shows are:

• Chris Camp, master of the bullwhip.
• The Culture of Ireland, with students of St. Louis Irish arts.
• Explore the Art and Science of Color, with "fireworks in a jar" and "funglasses."
• Getting to Know Greyhounds, with the Greyhound Companions group.
• Mad Science presents Fire and Ice, with dry ice storms and bubbly showers.

Plan now to join the St. Louis County Library's extensive summer reading program.