Severna Park Library Kicks Off Summer Reading Program June 20-25

School is out and the county library is gearing up for its free annual summer reading program for children of all ages.
“Kids entering grade 12 and younger are invited to stop by their local library this summer and join the 2011 Summer Reading Club,” said Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) spokesperson Laurie Hayes. “Students can sign up anytime, at any branch.”
All branches have 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 20 and run through July 30.
A special kickoff event will occur at the from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m,. Mon-Thurs and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fri and Sat. from June 20 to 25.
For elementary age children and their families, local libraries are hosting several weeks of free special events, including: ! ; ;

• Pam Minor - Go Green with Pam and Rascal!  at 9:30 and 11:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. ON JULY 11.

Think your teen is too old for these programs? This year, middle and high school students are offered a special summer workshop just for them. Titled “Creative Cartooning,” this 90-minute event is led by local artist Michael Cotter and features demonstrations and exercises to develop drawing skills. The cartoons will feature reflections on social issues and current events, such as bullying, social media and global warming, and some of the works will be featured on the library’s Teen Facebook page.

The workshops will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. at:

• West County Library, July 12   
• Brooklyn Park Library, July 19
• Annapolis Library, July 26

Registration is recommended and can be made by calling the local branch that is hosting the event.
As a new bonus this year, middle and high school students who “LIKE” the Anne Arundel County Public Library Teen Facebook page by midnight on July 2 are eligible to win an iPod Touch.
The library is also hosting a Summer Reading Night at the Bowie Baysox stadium, where reading program participants aged 16 and younger are recognized and get to march on the field in a celebration pre-game parade. The event will be held on July 24.
For more information, pick up the summer edition of “Library HappeninRifrom gs” available in all library branches or online at www.aacpl.net. Or get up-to-the-minute information on events and other library news on the AACPL Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Anne-Arundel-County-Public-Library/56312493667?v=wall.