Demopolis-Now that the schools are letting out for the summer months, the Demopolis Public Library wants to encourage all those children to pick up a book and read this summer. The library is gearing up for its annual Summer Reading Program called Step to the Beat-Read! Summer Reading Program 2004 that runs from May 23-July 23.

The director of the Demopolis Public Library Lindsy Garner said this year’s program is going to be the best yet and that’s really saying something considering the program has been around for about 30 years now. She said registration begins May 24 and continues throughout the summer for kids’ birth through 12 grades.

“We plan to have a lot of children registering on May 23,” Garner said, “We always have a packed house.”

She said during last year’s campaign they had over 350 children sign up and those children read over 3900 books during the three-month event. She also said this year they’ve added a special preschool section to the event.

“With the addition of a preschool section into the reading program, we plan to have even more children this year,” Garner said.

She said they plan to offer the children, who participate in the event free books, free pizza coupon, and a chance to win a $100 gift certificate from Wal-Mart. She also said the first official event of the reading program was going to be held on June 1 at 11 a.m.

“Mark Seymour is going to be the special guest for this kick-off event,” Garner said, “He will be showing off his collection of drums during his show.”

She said Seymour’s show would be very enjoyable for children of all ages because there will be plenty of chances for audience participation. She also said after the special kickoff event, there would be plenty more events during the summer including magic shows, preschool story-time, art projects, and many more events.

“The reading program is one of the best ways to continue your child’s education during the summer months as well as earning them some good prizes,” Garner said.

She said every child would set his/her own reading goal. She also said only books on that child’s reading level would count towards their reading goal.

“Due to limited space, attendance at the Preschool and Grades K-3 programs are on a first come basis only,” Garner said.