The "Joust Read" kickoff event for older kids will be held
Friday, June 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Strike and Spare Lanes,
at 1309 N. Lindbergh Blvd. (Kids who are 12-years-old can
attend either the younger or older event, or both.)
Each of the summer reading programs includes prizes for different
levels of book reading activity. There are three different
reading levels. Level 1 is for 260 minutes of reading, Level
2, 700 minutes and Level 3, 1,300 minutes.
Once a kid reaches a level of reading, he or she will earn
prizes.
One major feature of the prize program is the chance to win
St. Louis Cardinal baseball tickets. Once a kid reaches the
Level 2 and submitted a reading log, he or she is entered
in a drawing for Cardinal tickets.
If a kid's entry is drawn, the youngster gets a voucher
for two tickets. Also, the kids have a choice of six possible
game dates. One of them will be Library Day. Two kids from
among those attending that day will appear on the field in
before-game ceremonies.
Both reading programs also will involve live events and activities
at branch libraries throughout the summer. Be sure to keep
track of your local branch's schedule by logging on to www.slcl.org.
The county summer programs are popular. Last summer, over
21,000 kids took part. That included 17,993 in the younger
age group and 3,110 older kids. The 2004 total was over 17
per cent above the total in 2003.
Each of the three kickoff events for younger kids in the
county parks will have different programs.
At the North County Recreation Complex, there will be a program
called "Adventure Tales." These will involve stories about
knights, dragons and magical beings. Performing will be storyteller
Blake Travis and musician Babaloo.
At Suson Park, the program will be called "Mother Goose and
Friends." The show will include Chris Camp, a master of the
bullwhip. Kathy Schottle will perform "Dragon Stew and Other
Medieval Tales." Kids also will join in a sing-along.
At Faust Park, the performers will include "Frilly and Miller,"
singing cowboy Randy Erwin and juggler Jeff Koziatek.
Petting zoos by S&S Farms will be at both Faust Park and
the North County Complex.
