LIBRARY HOSTS CARNIVAL

Three-year-old Matthew Thompson plucked a plastic duck from a water pail. He was a winner at Cape Girardeau Public Library's summer reading carnival Saturday.

Across the library parking lot, his older brother, James, tossed some water balloons and then headed to the refreshment stand.

The Thompson boys were among hundreds of Cape Girardeau youngsters who registered for the library's annual summer reading program. Enrollment in the program remains open through July 24. In all, more than 1,200 children up to age 18 are expected to participate.

Matthew Thompson likes to read, especially Disney's "Lion King" story. His brother, who will be in the fourth grade, likes to read books about animals, all kind of animals.

"We read a lot and come to the library a lot," said their mother, Sara Edgerton. "I thought they would enjoy this more structured program for the summer."

The program is divided into two age groups. For the youngest readers, the program encourages reading a minimum of 600 minutes or 10 hours over the summer. At intervals, children qualify for food coupons. After reaching the goal, names are entered into a grand prize drawing for bicycles. Each child also gets a book to keep.

Older readers will play library bingo, reading books from different categories to make a bingo. After each bingo, the child earns movie passes and video rentals. After three bingos, his or her name is entered for the grand prize drawing.

"The underlying reason for our summer program is that children who read over the summer retain more information and require less review at the beginning of the new school year," said Ann Randolph, youth services coordinator for the library.

"It's like exercise for your brain. You wouldn't expect to stop running all summer and then run a mile this fall," she said.

In addition to the reading incentives, the library has a series of story times, craft program and lectures scheduled throughout the summer.

"We have Fantastic Fridays with guest speakers from the community," she said.

Different programs are planned for older readers.

"Just like the carnival today, which has been a great success, we want to make reading fun. Over the summer, kids will read stuff they want to read."

The program is supported by the Friends of the Library, the YELL Foundation, the VFW and VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and the United Commercial Travelers.