“Make a Splash - READ!” is the theme for the Summer Reading Program at Jefferson Parish Library in 2010.  Beginning June 1 and running through the end of July, children and young adults of all ages will explore the world of water and water fun through stories, songs, games, and other activities about oceans, rivers, lakes and the creatures that live there.

The Summer Reading Program is open to young people, from birth through young adult, with programs, prize drawings, story hours, reading clubs, and more.  Register at any Jefferson Parish Library, or call 838-1100 for more information.  All programs are free of charge.

Children who have not started reading yet can still participate in the Summer Reading Program. The Children's Department has "Read To Me" activities for families and kids still learning to read.

New this year for Summer Reading is the “Library Champion” yard sign program.  Readers who finish the required number of books will receive a sign for their front yards that reads: “A Jefferson Parish Library Champion Lives Here.”

Summer Readers who complete the program get a "Library Champion" sign.

To get a sign, children 12 and under must read 10 easy books (fewer than 100 pages) or 5 challenge books (more than 100 pages), and teens must read 5 books or complete a BINGO card with library activities.  Readers who accomplish these goals will also be entered into a raffle to win more prizes.

Jefferson Parish Library is also celebrating the Summer Reading Program with the Librarypalooza kickoff party. It takes place Saturday, June 5, noon-3pm, at the East Bank Regional Library and the West Bank Regional Library.

Librarypalooza will include performances by storyteller Johnette Downing at East Bank Regional and Papillion at West Bank Regional. There will also be video gaming, t-shirt decorating, contests and prizes. Library users will also be able to sign up for the Summer Reading Program for a chance to win more prizes.

There is also a Skate Party on the East Bank and West Bank for Summer Readers on Saturday, June 12, from 1pm-6:30pm. Show a Summer Reading Bookmark or sign up for the Summer Reading Program at the skating rink, and get in free. (Skate rental is extra.)

The Skate Parties will be at these locations:

East Bank Skate Party
Airline Skate Center
6711 Airline Dr.
Metairie
733-2248

West Bank Skate Party
Skate Country
1100 Terry Parkway
Terrytown
392-2227