Catch the Reading Bug is the theme of our 2008 Summer Reading Program. We have a wonderful summer planned for the tots, kids, teens and adult patrons of Monroe.

The goal of Summer Reading is to keep you reading while you're on vacation from school or work. We have a lot of fun events (like movies and crafts) posted on this page, most of which require registration in advance. The core of Summer Reading, though, is reading, and we've got activities for every age group.

Preschool (ages 2 – 4):

Pick up (or download and print) a reader bee page. Anytime you read a story to your youngster, write his or her name on the bee and decorate it together, then bring it into the library, where it will go on display in our hive.

Also, Walk-In Story Time is held most Tuesday and Thursday mornings: 10:30 for 2s and younger 3s, 11:30 for older preschoolers.

Entering grades K - 2:
One-on-One Reading

Children will practice reading, by appointment, with a teenager. Kids bring books to read (or to be read to them). After their fifteen-minute sessions, they receive stickers, small prizes, and raffle tickets and make their next appointments.

Entering grades K - 2:
Reporting

Kids bring a list of books that they've read or that have been read to them. They meet with teenage volunteers to talk about the books on the list.

Kids going on vacation can download and print book review forms to be submitted when they return.

Teenagers:
Volunteering / Reporting

Teen volunteers are essential to the success of the kids' program, and teens report on their reading to library staff members to win prizes.

The teen volunteer program is filled to capacity; in September, the Youth Services department will be opening a list for school-year volunteers.

Adults

Adults are invited to write two-or three-sentence book reviews, which will be posted anonymously (in the library and on the web site), and entered into a prize raffle in August. Book review slips are available at the Reference desk and on the back of the July calendar.