Summer reading program kicks off

CASEY RESSLER

Frontiersman Valley Life Editor

Young readers around the Valley are ready to take on dragons this summer.

The borough libraries are hosting their annual summer reading program once again, and this year, the theme is " Dragons, Dreams and Daring Deeds." The first event kicks off Monday at the Wasilla Public Library, with a magic show.

"We usually have between 700 and 1,000 kids, just at our library alone," said Tiffany Moffitt of the Wasilla Public Library.

"All of the libraries have special events throughout the summer that encourage reading," Moffitt said.

Libraries from Trapper Creek to Sutton are getting kids into books through the summer reading programs, which have been hugely successful each year.

Moffitt said local businesses should be thanked for making the programs so successful.

"They really support the reading programs, and just like the volunteers, we couldn't do it without them," Moffitt said.

Wasilla Public Library

Wasilla's program starts June 6 with a magic show at 2 p.m. Every Tuesday at 2 p.m. is "Afternoon at the Movies," with a new film each week. Every Thursday at 2:30 p.m. is storytime, and throughout the summer, authors will be reading. Flat Baroque is playing June 29.

Wasilla's program concludes July 30 with an outdoor party and magic show. Call the Wasilla Public Library at 376-5913.

Palmer Public Library

Palmer's summer program begins June 14 for third-graders and older children, and June 16 for ages 5 through third grade. The younger group starts every Thursday at 10:30 a.m., and the older group begins Tuesdays at 1 p.m.

Younger readers have a 30-minute storytime and craft session, while the older readers have an hour-long craft session.

Topics covered range from paper making to twig books. The program concludes July 29 with a medieval regalia. Call the Palmer Public Library at 745-4690.

Big Lake Public Library

Big Lake's program begins June 16 with a start-up party at 6 p.m. at the library.

Tony James is providing entertainment.

Each Thursday at 2 p.m., readers will be treated to such events as a talent show, a pet show, arts and crafts and a visit from Iditarod champion Martin Buser.

The Big Lake program ends Aug. 4 with an ice cream party and prize giveaway.

For more information about the program, call the Big Lake Public Library at 892-6475.

Sutton Public Library

The summer program kicks off in Sutton on June 23, and continues every Thursday.

Ages 3 through second grade will start at 11:30 a.m., while readers in second grade and above start at 2 p.m.

Program themes include medieval magic, bedtime stories, the Imaginarium tales and knights.

On Aug. 11, the Alaska Brass of the Air Force Band wrap up the program at 5 p.m.

For more information, call the Sutton library at 745-4467.

Willow Public Library

Willow starts the summer June 23 with sidewalk art and an appearance by artist Penni Cross. Each Thursday at 2 p.m., the program continues.

Throughout the summer, there will be snacks, an archery lesson, an aromatherapist and an appearance by author Gary Paulsen.

The program concludes Aug. 11 with a "Joust Party."

Call the Willow Public Library at 495-6424.

Talkeetna Public Library

The Talkeetna Public Library hosts the beginning of its summer program June 23, with programs continuing every Thursday through Aug. 11.

For information on the Talkeetna Public Library, interested people may call 733-2359.

For up-to-date information about any of the public libraries, interested people may check out the libraries' Web site www.matsulibraries.org.