Summer Reading Fun at County Libraries

The textbooks may have closed for the summer but the reading continues for area youth as the county libraries welcome students to the 2012 Summer Reading Club.

This year's theme is Dream Big—Read! for kids in grade 12 and younger.

The annual summer reading program started decades ago, said Laurie Hayes, spokesperson for the Anne Arundel County Public Library system. The participation hovers at about 14,000 each year, she said.

"We are excited and looking forward to hopefully breaking the 15,000 mark this year with kids signing up for program," Hayes said. "We are especially excited about the teen program with an author who will be visiting to confirm or dispel the urban legends on the Monsters of Maryland."

The author, Ed Okonowicz, will be visiting with teens at the , Annapolis and West County libraries in July.

The reading program runs for six weeks and there will be prizes for teens and adults who complete activities posted on their Facebook page.

Participants may sign up now at any branch, where they can find suggested reading lists with award-winning books that have been identified as suitable and appropriate for all grade levels.

The library’s club-related programs and activities start June 18 and run through July 28.

For a schedule of events and locations as well as a description of all programs offered by the library this summer, check out Library Happenings! at all library branches, or view the magazine online at aacpl.net.

Look on page 18 for details on how you can win four-packs of tickets to see the Orioles play the Seattle Mariners on Aug. 6.

Get up-to-the-minute information on events and other library news by “liking” the library on Facebook.

Here's what's happening at Glen Burnie area libraries this summer.

, 1010 Eastway. Call 410-222-6270 for information.

• June 18—Through June 23, the library will feature a Summer Reading Club kick off during branch hours
. Participants are encouraged to help the library "dream big" by creating a colorful decoration for our Summer Reading Club mural. All ages are welcome.
• June 26—Sign Language Dreams; 1:30, 3:30 and 7 p.m.
• July 10—Ghosts & Monsters of Maryland; 7 p.m. For teens
• July 12—By the Sea; 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.
• July 16—If Pigs Could Fly; 11:30 am, 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.
• July 26—Dreams and Magic!; 11:30 am, 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Brooklyn Park, 1 E. 11th Ave. Call 410-222-6260 for information.

• June 18—Through June 23 the library will feature a Summer Reading Club kick off during branch hours
. The event will include a Scavenger Hunt and other activities at the library. All ages are welcome.
• June 25—By the Sea; 3:30 p.m.
• July 2—¡Mucha Musica!; 7-8 p.m.
• July 17—If Pigs Could Fly; 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.
• July 25—Sign Language Dreams; 11:30 a.m.

Linthicum, 400 Shipley Rd. Call 410-222-6265 for information.

• June 18—Through June 23 the library will feature a Summer Reading Club kick off during branch hours
. The event will include a Scavenger Hunt and other activities at the library. All ages are welcome.
• June 28—By the Sea; 7 p.m.
• July 10—If Pigs Could Fly; 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.
• July 18—Dreams and Magic!; 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.
• July 23—Sign Language Dreams; 1:30 p.m.