Libraries Blast into Orbit this Summer

Libraries across the province will go into orbit this month as children sign up for a summer reading program titled Launch yourself into a good book/Lancez-vous dans la lecture.

The reading program's launch date is June 21, and libraries across the province have scheduled many events and activities for the entire summer.

This year's theme is space, and astronaut Steve MacLean from the Canadian Space Agency will be in Nova Scotia from Aug. 18 to 20 to promote the program. Children in all nine library regions will have a chance to meet Mr. MacLean.

Studies show that summer reading can help students maintain and improve reading levels. The summer program encourages children to read books, and offers incentives and prizes to keep them motivated. T-shirts, sweatshirts, bookmarks, buttons and stickers are some of the items children can win.

Last year, about 8,500 children participated. It's fun, it's free and children and their parents can enjoy the books.

Details about program activities are available at your local library. Don't forget to cruise cyberspace and visit the Nova Scotia Provincial Library's web site at http://www.library.ns.ca . Click on Children and Youth Services to find links to a variety of related sites.