It's time to Get a Clue @ your library! That's right, summer reading time has rolled around again and Memorial Library staff members are involved in last-minute preparations, as signup begins on Tuesday, May 29. The program starts on Monday, June 4, and ends on Thursday, July 5. For readers unfamiliar with the program, children from birth through the fifth grade may participate. There are actually two levels of participation. Since some youngsters are unable to come to the library during the day on a weekly basis, they may set a reading goal and work toward earning a summer reading tee shirt. In order to earn the shirt, a goal of at least ten hours for the five-week program must be met. Youngsters are given a program book in which there is an area to keep track of hours read and a log sheet to be turned in at the end of the program. The log must be completed, signed by a parent, and returned to the library prior to noon closing on Friday, July 6.

For those who are able to come to the library on a weekly basis, they set a reading goal as well, but have the opportunity to take part in special sessions for each age group, where young people come for stories related to the theme and, except for the youngest two groups, a craft.

Here are the times and age groups:

• Entering 4 th - 6 th grade
  • Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m.
    Except July 4 session will be July 3 at 1 p.m.
    
• Entering 2 nd - 3 rd grade
  • Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m.
    
• Entering K - 1 st grade
  • Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m.
    Except July 4 session will be July 3 at 10 a.m.
    
• Preschoolers 3 to 5 years old
  • Thursdays from 9:15 to 10:00 a.m
    
• Toddlers 19 months through 35 months
  • Thursdays from 10:20 to 10:40 a.m.
    
• Infants birth through 18 months
  • Thursdays from 10:55 to 11:15 a.m.

Please note that the two groups who meet on Wednesdays will be moved to Tuesday the week of July 4 so that they may have five sessions like the other groups.

Everyone, moms and dads included, and even people in the community who do not have children in summer reading, are welcome to attend our special programs. Throughout the five weeks, children will be getting a clue about a lot of interesting things and the special programs reflect those themes as well. On June 7, Mad Science of Kansas City will present Up, Up & Away, a program centering on the principles of air pressure.

The week of June 10, we will have two special programs. On Wednesday, June 13, Investigator Lana Gudgel of the Liberal Police Department will present "Detect It", which will inform participants of various crime detection methods. On Thursday, June 14, mystery writer Janet Riehecky comes to share the aspects of a mystery.

As we move on to getting a clue about the past, genealogist Kathy Rippel will share with youngsters curious about their family history just how to go about using clues to find that information. Traveling Lantern Theatre Company will be back with us on June 25 for two identical performances of "Sherlock Holmes Takes the Case." Seward County Community College has graciously agreed to allow the use of the Showcase Theater for the acting troupe.

Diane Marsh of Baker Arts will be doing "Magic Masks" craft activity on Tuesday, June 26, for those who would like to investigate their creative side.

Finishing up the five weeks will be our Family Mystery Park Hunt, which is the only special program restricted to just summer reading enrollees. Participants take the clues, locate the parks, and bring back the requested information. Those who get all the parks and turn their answers in on time will be eligible for a prize.

Wrapping up our program for the summer will be Thad Beach presenting "The Mixed Up Mystery of Song City", on Saturday, August 18. Tee shirts and certificates will be presented at this event.

If you have a youngster entering six grade or above next school year, that young person may take part in YNK @ your library and work toward earning a tee shirt.

That's the summer program briefly. If you have any questions, phone the library at 626-0180, ext. 4. Plan to take part in some way in the wonderful offerings of this annual event. See you at Memorial Library!