Otter will launch new library's summer reading program

Congressman Butch Otter will read to the kids.

Idaho Congressman C.L. "Butch" Otter will appear at the Mountain Home Public Library on June 24 to take part in the library's summer reading program.

Otter will read to children during a special Storytime that afternoon at 1 p.m. The event coincides with an expansion of the library's regular "Family Night" summer reading program activities with the new "First Family Afternoon," that will kick off the program's events that afternoon.

As with the other family events that are part of the summer reading program, the "First Family Afternoon" will involve parents, grandparents or mentors reading to their children, plus family-oriented games and activities. The June 24 event will feature a "scavenger hunt," prizes handed out for summer reading achievements, refreshments and other activities.

Otter is appearing at the event to help with an effort by the Idaho State Library to promote the Read to Me youth reading programs around the state, and those who take part may appear in a special film program being shot that day that will be distributed statewide to encourage youth reading efforts in Idaho.

Otter's appearance is not a political event associated with his campaign for governor, but is part of his longstanding commitment to promoting educational programs for youths. He is making a special trip to Mountain Home to take part in the program.

Registration begins Monday, June 12, for the summer reading program, which follows the theme of "Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales." Those taking part will receive a "book log" at the time they sign up, and the participating youths will have an opportunity to win and earn and number of prizes during the summer.

Participants who read books during the summer will make a "report," to the librarians about the book during report times, which are every Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturadays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Pre-school and first grade students will draw pictures that represent something they enjoyed from the books that were read to them. The library will supply the materials for the drawings.

Students in grades 2-7 will fill out a brief review form to let the library know what they think about the books that they read. The forms will be handed out as the books are checked out.

A special set of Storytime days during the summer reading program will be held on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and the books this year will feature animal tales.

In addition to the First Family Afternoon on June 24, the other Family Night activities have been moved to Tuesday, with the first one beginning June 27. The others are set for July 11, 18 and 25, from 5-7:30 p.m. at the library. Some of the events, such as the one on June 27, will feature animals brought in from the local 4-H program. The July 18 event will be a partnership with the Mountain Home Historical Society, and the July 25 event will be the program's Third Annual Tortilla Night, where participants get a chance to make their own tortillas. For more information visit the library's web site at www.mhlibrary.org.