Otter reads to kids at library

Congressman Butch Otter delighted the children that he read to Saturday at the library.

Congressman Butch Otter spent an hour reading stories to children Saturday at the Mountain Home Public Library, helping kick off the library's summer reading program.

The summer reading program, "Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales," is now in full swing at the library.

Storytime is at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays, starting today and running through July 26.

"Come join us for some fun stories of animals and some bilingual stories, too," said juvenile programs librarian Robin Murphy.

Otter's appearance, which was filmed by the state library for use in its promotional materials, also coincided with the "First Family Afternoon," an expansion of the regular "Family Nights" held in conjunction with the summer reading program.

Family Nights will be held on Tuesdays, from 5-7:30 p,m.

The first family night will be on June 27 and will be "full of animals." Kylie Bermensolo, with the help of three 4-H groups, will be bringing to the library a host of farm animals for the kids to see.

The 4-H groups participating include Rowdy Wranglers, the lead group with the Wild Bunch, and Lonesome Dove helping out.

The library will be closed on July 4. The next family night will be July 11 and Murphy said "it should be a slithering good time."

During Otter's visit Saturday he met with patrons of the library and donated some educational CDs on the Constitution and how the U.S. government works.

He also encouraged all the children to read throughout the summer and stressed the value of reading as they grow up and prepare to be successful in life.

For more information on library programs call 587-4716 or visit its website at www.mhlibrary.org.