By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—School might be out, but the Pelham Public Library’s “Fizz, Boom, Read!” program will keep children reading throughout the summer with fun prizes and new activities every day.

By reading, regularly visiting the library and attending library programs, children have numerous opportunities to win prizes during the program beginning on June 3.

Children registered for the program will receive a “book bingo sheet” with simple tasks, such as “read a mystery,” or “read with a friend.” Children can earn “a trip to the treasure chest” by completing three tasks in a row for young children and four in a row for older children, said Children’s Librarian Mary Campbell.

Children who complete their entire bingo sheet are entered into a special drawing for two grand prizes, a bike and a large stuffed pony.

“We have anywhere between 750 and 1,000 (children) that sign up,” Campbell said. “There is no bottom age limit and our top age is 12-years-old.”

Throughout the summer, the library will also host a number of activities and shows to go along with the summer reading program and its science theme. Every Tuesday there will be performers, from magicians to drummers to puppeteers. There will also be crafts and science projects, such as making rocket cars powered by balloons.

“We have programs going on every single day,” Campbell said.

Also be sure to stop by the library regularly to get clues find the Cat in the Hat stuffed animal hidden in a new spot throughout the library each week. Children who find it will win gift cards to various restaurants, such as Chick-Fil-A, Whataburger and Bojangles.

“It encourages kids to get in the habit of coming to the library,” Campbell said, adding the clues also “teach kids about the library.”

The summer reading program will conclude on July 22 with a carnival at the library.

Registration for the reading program and all of the activities at the Pelham Public Library are free and open to all children, even those not living in Pelham. A schedule of events can be found on the Pelham Public Library Facebook page and website, Pelhamlibrary.com.