By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA – School is almost out for the summer but that doesn’t mean children and young adults in the Helena area can’t stay brushed up on their reading skills for the next few weeks, thanks to the start of the Helena Summer Reading Program.

No doubt children will be eager to spend time outside, at the pool and vacationing with family, but for at least one day out of the week, the Jane B. Holmes Public Library will offer free interactive programs through the Summer Reading Program.

The Helena Summer Reading Program is free and kicks off on Monday, June 10, at Helena City Hall with programs at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. with music by Mark Seymour.

The theme for this year’s program is “A Universe of Stories” and registration is free and begins Monday, June 3.

The summer reading program will last several weeks and participants will be eligible for prizes the more books they read. This year, both children and young adults up to 18 years of age may participate in the program.

Some highlights of the summer reading program will include the kickoff with “Music from Alabama,” an Animal Tales program, a science inspired program from the McWane Science Center, a visit with the Helena fire and police departments, a visit from magician Russell Davis and more.

The schedule for the summer reading program is as follows:

–June 3–Registration

–June 10–Kickoff with music by Mark Seymour–10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

–June 19–Animal Tales Program–2:30 p.m.

–June 26–McWane Science Center Program–10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

–July 3–Visit with the fire department–2:30 p.m.

–July 10–Visit with the police department–2:30 p.m.

–July 17–Summer reading closeout celebration featuring magician Russell Davis–2:30 p.m.

In addition to these programs, the Jane B. Holmes Public Library will also have programs and prizes for teens. These include the kick off with Book Bingo on June 12, an Origami program on June 27, and a Teen Close-Out Pizza Party on July 18.

The Summer Reading Program also includes other fun events this summer like Lego Fun, Cookies and Coloring and “Let’s play Board Games.” The Helena library website will have an updated calendar for dates and times. All programs are free and open to the public.

For questions, call 664-8308 or visit Cityofhelena.org and click on the library tab.