Hit the books, it’s summer reading

KENT — When this reporter walked into the Kent Memorial Library for the kickoff event of the youth summer reading program, it was not necessary to ask where it was being held. Once inside the door, a symphony of young laughter, glee and happiness provided a direct audio path to the children’s section at the rear of the library.Ellen Paul, co-director of the library’s children’s department, said about 60 youngsters are expected to participate in this year’s summer reading program. At the end of the summer each young reader is given a prize from the library. “Prizes are not based on the number of books read, but on how long they participate in the program,” Paul explained.The summer reading program is not restricted to Kent residents. All young readers are welcome, from preschool up to age 11.The theme this year is, One World, Many Stories. To give the theme visual importance, a large map of the world was posted on the wall. The youngsters had a chance to decorate pictures on the map of various modes of transportation. Each child got a chance to tell how he or she would like to travel around the world.The summer reading kickoff was full of delights for youngsters including face painting, computer games, balloon animals, arts and crafts, reading and more. Parents attending the kickoff party seemed to be having as much fun as the young people.