By JEFFREY SMITH
Leader staff writer
The Cabot Public Library will begin its children’s summer reading program Monday.
This year’s theme, “Ready, Set, Read,” is about health and wellness.
The reading program is for children ages 4 to 12 years old. It continues through June 30. Registration is free and children can continue to sign up at the library or online until the final week of June. An end-of-the summer reading party will be held on June 30. Last year more than 500 children participated in the summer reading program.
“People should come to the summer reading program because when children are out of school, they have the opportunity to read. They’ll avoid the summer slump of not reading, and it will give them an education on healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle. They can exercise their mind and body at the summer reading program,” library branch manager Tammie Evans said.
The summer reading program will also include a health and wellness activity planned each day at the library. Activities include self-defense karate lessons, a magic show, geocaching, children’s art projects, healthy eating lessons from the Lonoke County Extension Office and gymnastics.
The Game and Fish Commission is bringing their traveling aquarium. The National Weather Service will talk about weather safety. There is a program about Toltec Mounds planned. Children can join in a mile-long walk with a librarian. The Cabot Fire Department will teach fire safety with a fire prevention film and smoke-house demonstration.
The Cabot Animal Shelter will bring some animals. The library also plans a field trip to Joyland Skate Center.
