Library Kicks Off Summer Reading Program

Things got pretty crowded at the Edgewater Library on Wednesday morning with library mascot Sneaks the Cat, Bowie Baysox mascots Louie and Rocco, plus 200 children and their parents, grandparents and caregivers.

They were all there to kick-off the library’s annual summer reading program. The South County Library hosted their kickoff on Wednesday afternoon with the same mascots cheering on the young readers in South County.

Cody Bray, 9, Cameron Bray, 7 and Laney Bray, 4 show off their dreamcatchers.

The South River Source covered the library’s summer reading program last week in a story. Shows at the library will start June 27 in Edgewater and June 28 in South County with Sign Language Dreams with “signing storyteller” Kathy MacMillan.

On Wednesday, both branches signed up children who are vowing to read over the summer. Sarah Bray was at Edgewater with her four children. They made dream-catchers in the craft area.

Bray’s oldest, Cody, 9, said that he likes to come to see the shows each year. This year he’s looking forward to the puppet show with Blue Sky Puppet Theatre (July 17 at South County; July 19 at Edgewater).

Where the Wild Things Are masks could be made at the craft table.

The summer reading scavenger hunt is ongoing at both libraries. Stop by during regular hours to participate and sign up for summer reading. Each child receives a basket of goodies including free lunches from Chick Fil-A and Bob Evans restaurant, plus coupons and discounts to Bowie Baysox games and the Anne Arundel County Fair.

The library program runs through the end of July. Children are encouraged to check out great books to read over the summer.