Dream Big at Library Reading Club

The Summer Reading Club is in full swing at the .

Each summer the library offers the chance for children ages 12 and under to earn prizes by reading as many books as possible. Once they finish a book, children discuss them with a student volunteer. Readers roll dice to answer a question, such as "What was the most exciting part of the book?"

Readers can earn between two and 20 points for each book, depending on its length. As they earn points, they can choose a prize from the treasure chest. 

Since children need not read independently to participate, even those who read picture books or whose parents read to them may enroll. Kids can also attend reading club meetings throughout the summer.

The theme for this year's Summer Reading Club is "Dream Big — Read!" In the spirit of dreaming big, the Children's Department at the library redecorated with a circus theme, complete with white and red streamers creating a "big top" circus tent and carnival cutouts. 

As children read more books, they can eventually qualify for the end-of-summer carnival, which will take place the afternoon of Thursday, Aug. 23. The and Friends of the Library will sponsor the carnival.

According to Laura Weinbaum, the head of the Children's Department in the library, during the 2011 Summer Reading Club participants read 10,251 books.