FRIGHTFULLY GOOD READING

Reading can be a chore for children, but area libraries and bookstores try to liven things up with their summer reading programs.

"We tell them it's fun to read," said Lynn Farrow, Riverside Regional Library's children's librarian. "It's not a chore; they can read what they are interested in."

The horror genre offers some of the most popular books at libraries and bookstores right now. A favorite series is "Goosebumps" by R.L. Stine, said Waldenbooks manager Janet Guess. The 200 copies of the newest book in the series are already sold out, she said.

One Cape Girardeau bookstore has even created a special display for the books. "It's the only book they ask for consistently," said Hastings book department manager Vic Javenes.

The most popular books are "anything scary with a little mystery and a lot of horror," said Judy Holmes, children's librarian at the Jackson City Library.

The seven branches of Riverside Library participate in the "Rock Your World -- Read!" program. Each branch takes care of its own program, Farrow said. At the main library In Jackson, 600 children have signed up for the program.

For every five books children read, they qualify for food coupons and certificates. Children who read more than 20 books receive a paperback book and a certificate signed by the governor.

The children choose the number of books they want to read, Farrow said. Younger children like "Berenstain Bears," "Dr. Seuss" and "Curious George," Farrow said. Older children choose more mysteries, westerns, adventures, and even a few classics.

Sarah Polen, 8, of Cape Girardeau, likes to read the "Babysitter Club" and "Sweet Valley High" book series. She already has reached her goal of reading 17 books during the summer.

Her mother, Martha Polen, said she is always reading. The family visits the library about every two weeks.

There is no limit to the number of books that can be read during the Riverside program, but the deadline for completion is July 25.

Riverside's Scott City branch librarian Glenda Kenkel said AmeriCorps programs have helped get children interested in reading. Almost 100 students are enrolled in the Scott City reading program, she said.

At the Jackson City Library, more than 320 students are enrolled in a reading program. "With incentives and prizes, we hope it will encourage them to read toward a goal," Holmes said.

The library offers three bicycles as grand prizes in its summer reading program. Other prizes such as food coupons and stickers are awarded based on the number of books read. The program ends Aug. 5, but children are still welcome to sign up.

Holmes said that when she began as children's librarian more girls were interested in reading, but over the last two or three years boys have started reading more. She said more parents are now interested in reading to their children.

"If you read to a child at a young age, they develop good reading habits and seem more interested in reading as they get older," Holmes said. "It helps with their vocabulary and school work."

Susan Mills, a teacher in St. Louis, likes to find books with a lesson for her students. She was shopping for books here while visiting relatives in Marquand over the Fourth of July.

Mills often buys historical fiction books to teach history lessons.

"It's important to have different types of literature," she said. "If it's quality literature, hopefully they will develop a love for it and continue reading."

To help promote reading, the Cape Girardeau Public Library has a summer program for children 2 years old through fourth grade. The children sign a contract stating the number of books they will read.

Approximately 1,000 children have signed up for the program, said Brenda Renner, youth services senior clerk for the library. She hopes another 200 children will sign up before the end of summer.

Members of the young adult RIF club can earn a free book for every fourth book they check out at the Cape Girardeau Library. The books were donated by the Friends of the Library.

Library staff members visit schools or send letters to parents explaining the summer reading programs. "We visit the schools every year," Renner said. "They used to be surprised, but now they know what we're talking about."

The Hastings store chain sends a letter to schools explaining its reading program. However, since the Texas-based store has been open only for a month, the letter wasn't sent to area schools this year, Javenes said.

The store offers a 20 percent discount to children who purchase books as well as a free book drawing. He said there is no way to tell how many children participate in the store's book discount program. "We do everything we can to get kids interested," Javenes said. "I can't imagine life without at least knowing how to read."

LIST OF CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS

(cutline:) Brenda Renner presented the story of "Clifford's Birthday Party" to her young listeners at the Cape Girardeau Public Library.

Cape Girardeau Public Library:

At 1 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the library plans several activities for children.

They include board games on Monday; films on Wednesday; crafts on Thursday; and special programs with community guests on Friday.

Other special programs are:

Story hours at 6:30 p.m. Monday and 10 a.m. each Tuesday and Wednesday.

Toddler Times, for children age 2 to 4, at 10 a.m. Monday.

Book Buddies, for children age 6-8, at 11 a.m. Tuesday.

All activities are held in the library's community room.

Riverside Regional Library:

Programs and times vary at the different branch locations.

Book logs are due July 25.

Jackson City Library:

Each Wednesday in July, the library will hold special programs from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

The program topics include storytelling, aviation exploration and fossils.

The program ends August 5.

Hastings:

Hastings Summer Reader Club is available to children of all ages. Each child can receive 20 percent of book purchases with a club membership. There is no membership fee.

Children can enter a drawing for free books from the store by completing a book form which is similar to a book report.

The store also offers a children's reading hour at 10 a.m. each Saturday.