By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–With the school year coming to a close, children are eager to spend time outside, at the pool, vacationing with family and more. One other thing children can look forward to is the Summer Reading Program at the Jane B. Holmes Public Library to stay fresh on their reading skills.

The Helena Summer Reading Program will kickoff on Wednesday, June 7, at Helena City Hall with programs at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. with Magician Russell Davis.

The theme for this year’s program is “Build a Better World” and registration is free and begins Wednesday, May 31.

The summer reading program will last six weeks and participants will be eligible for prizes the more books they read.

Some highlights of the summer reading program will include the magic of reading as Davis will perform magic and discuss the importance of reading, a program inspired by science from the McWane Center, a free movie at the library week, visits from the Helena police and fire departments and the closeout celebration featuring a Wild West Show with cowboy Bruce Brannen.

The schedule for the summer reading program is as follows:

–May 31–Registration

–June 7–Kickoff with Magician Russell Davis–10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

–June 14–McWane Science Center Program–10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

–June 21–Midsummer Movies at the Library–10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

–June 28–Visit with the fire department–2:30 p.m.

–July 5–Visit with the police department–2:30 p.m.

–July 12–Summer reading Wild West Show close out celebration –2:30 p.m.

In addition to the summer reading program, the Jane B. Holmes library will also host “Story Time with Ms. Jennie” every Tuesday and Thursday at 11 a.m.