Magness Library kicked off its Summer Reading program Monday with a room full of excited children and their dedicated parents.

Day one had a special guest. 

“Today is her birthday,” said Katie Spears, of her 4-year-old daughter, Birdie. “She said she wanted to come to the big library. She’s been asking questions like ‘Does it have stairs?’ and ‘Does it have lot of books?’ This is her first summer reading program here and she’s loving it so far.”

“Tails and Tales” is the theme for this summer’s four-week program. Magness Library assistant director Merissa Chapman expressed high hopes for a big turnout. 

“Last year we reached 60,000 words in our four-week program, which was great,” said Chapman. “If we can top that, I’d love it.” 

The library offers a summer reading program to instill a love for reading at an early age, as well as to offer games and crafts to help children learn new skills, develop unseen talents, foster creativity, and to help them stay mentally fit and active. 

On movie days, favorites like “Madagascar,” “Zootopia,” “Finding Nemo,” and “How to Train Your Dragon” will be shown. 

Each program day begins at 10 a.m. 

During Monday’s session, children made clay animal magnets and had storytime with the reading of “Catkwondo” by author Lisl H. Detlefsen. 

“Yes, the clay is nontoxic,” said Chapman. “We don’t recommend you eat it, but it is nontoxic, if your child sneaks a taste of it.”

Summer Reading is free, including everything offered to the children during it – craft items, games, movies and food. It continues through July 21 on most Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, excluding June 28, June 30, July 2 and July 5.

Friday, July 23 is party day for children who participated in the program.  

For more information about Magness Library’s Summer Reading program Tails and Tales, call 473-2428. Sign-ups are still being accepted.