Summer reading program kicks off June 15

All summer long students and children are encouraged to enjoy arts and crafts, Legos and movies at the Ritzville Public Library.

Participants also have an opportunity to win exciting prizes if they reach their reading goal by Aug. 31.

Students will receive summer reading packets at the end of school or they can be picked up at the library. The packets can be returned to the Ritzville Public Library or the Lind Community Library by the beginning of the reading club.

The reading program begins June 15 with the theme this year as, “Every Hero Has A Story.”

In the packets, attendees will keep track of their reading through Aug. 31 to earn a free book, prizes and tickets for the grand prize drawing.

The Lego Club begins June 16 and runs every Tuesday at 3 p.m. until Aug. 18.

The Reptile Man will be visiting Ritzville City Park on June 18 at 6 p.m.

Every Friday at 3 p.m. from June 19 until Aug 7, visitors can enjoy kid movies at the library including Casper, Despicable Me, The Incredibles and other family favorites.

Craft Days are scheduled for every Thursday at 10 a.m. from June 19 through July 30.

The activities are open to all ages, regardless of participation in the summer reading program. Each program attended earns a ticket for the grand prize drawing. Participants who reach their summer reading goal by Aug. 3, earn a free book, other prizes and 10 tickets for the grand prize drawing.

Other activities involved in the reading club include Tall Tale Heroes on June 25 at 10 a.m .; Community Heros on July 2 at 10 a.m .; Superheros on July 9 at 10 a.m., Villains on July 16 at 10 a.m .; Ghostbusters on July 23 at 10 a.m .; Mythological Heroes on July 30 at 10 a.m .; and jousting with the Knights of Veritas in the Ritzville City Park on Aug. 8 at 2 p.m.

The Lind Community Library also has numerous coinciding activities on Tuesdays from 1-2:30 p.m.

On June 22 at 6 p.m., Andrew Wahl, journalist and comic-book scholar, will be at the Ritzville Public Library for a conversation connecting comic book superheroes and villain to historical topics. Though more interest for adults, the speaking event is suitable for all ages.

Also at the library, backpack kits have been made for check out with activities to explore nature in the community. Fishing, birding and geocaching packs will be available for check out for a couple weeks encouraging hands on learning and exploring.

A presentation is scheduled for Friday, June 19, at 11 a.m. in the Library basement.

Tom Moore, Lindell Haggin and Thomas Pulliam, specialists in each field, will attend to demonstrate how to use each pack.