Pima County Library wants kids to 'dig in'

Danielle Van Derlaske hands a free book to her daughter, Tatum, 1, with brother Braiden Van Derlaske, 2, during a Pima County Library summer reading event at the Reid Park Zoo.

There's just something about a summer reading program that gets you nostalgic.Ìý

All those library trips, reading trackers and free books. Good times.Ìý📖 🤓

On Saturday, May 20, the Pima County Public Library system will launch the 2017 summer reading program with a Family Fiesta at the Tanque Verde Swap Meet, . From 7-9 p.m., your kiddos can sign up for the program, meet Curious George and take home a free book.Ìý

The library recommends that kids read at least 20 minutes a day, and return to one of the 26 Pima County libraries regularly to collect stickers and stamps on their reading trackers.Ìý

Starting Tuesday, May 30, kids and teens will be able to pick up a free book at any library until supplies last.Ìý

"If you have a kiddo who loves reading, that makes it easy. Just let them explore," says Holly Schaffer, the community relations manager for the Pima County Public Library system. "If you have a child who is a little more hesitant, we have a wonderful staff, and bringing a child to the library and talking to the children's librarian about what kinds of things they like and what they want to be and become, it's a good opportunity to let them discover some things on his or her own."Ìý

Bonus: Stop at the library starting Friday, June 9 with your kids ages 2-14 to get an invitation to a Ìýfrom 8-11 a.m. Saturday, July 8. You'll get free admission for your kids and 50 percent off for an adult.Ìý

The program ends on Saturday July 15, but that's no reason to stop reading.Ìý

Because the kids' program caps at age 12, teens can participate in a separate program that focuses more on workshops and will last beyond the summer months.Ìý

"What we’re hoping to do is help teens discover something that they’re interested in and then support them as they grow in that interest," says Kendra Davey, the youth services manager at the Joel D. Valdez Main Library.

Teens will be able to choose from classes that range from writing code to writing poetry.Ìý

From 1-6 p.m., Saturday, July 15, teens are invited to descend upon Pima Community College's downtown campus, ., — in costumeÌý—Ìýfor . Basically a comic-con-style event with free pizza.

Check with individual libraries for events scheduled all summer. You can find the master list .

Happy reading!

P.S. Grownups, This Is ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ just started our summer book club. We don't offer prizes, but we're pretty excited about the book we're reading: "The Water Knife" by Paolo Bacigalupi. It's a near-future dystopian thriller about what happens when Phoenix runs out of water. Join us in the group on Facebook.Ìý

Now: Happy reading!

Your kiddos can sign up for the library's summer reading program, meet Curious George and take home a free book.Ìý

Teens are invited — in costumeÌý— toÌýMegaMania!!2017. Basically a comic-con-style event with free pizza.

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