Summer Reading season is here! Every summer the library presents the Summer Reading Program to keep children of all ages reading and learning. Research shows that children who don't read over the summer start the fall school term at a distinct disadvantage. This year's program got off to a beautiful start with a walk-in art session that produced our Summer Reading tree.

Children who sign up for the program get a free book upon signup, another when they finish, and lots of fun in between. There are weekly drawings for special cultural outings, and another for program finishers, who are entered for a chance at a college scholarship.

Summer also means a lot of special events: a Puppetry Festival at the Belle Haven Branch Library, lively musical storytimes outside at the Main Library, and grade-school performers and presentations and several arts and crafts sessions at both locations. These wonderful free programs are made possible thanks to funding from the Friends of the Menlo Park Library.

Visit the Library's Children's programs webpage for more details, and stop by either location to sign up for the program and learn about all of the many benefits.