SIGN-UP STARTS FOR JACKSON READING PROGRAM

JACKSON - Registration for the Jackson Public Library's 1994 Missouri Summer Youth Library Reading Program begins Wednesday.

The program, which is designed to encourage children to continue to read and learn through the summer months, begins June 1 and continues through Aug. 6 at the public library at 225 S. High St.

Librarian Judy Holmes said parents may register their children 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Holmes said, "The theme of this year's summer motivational reading program is `Celebrate! Read!' It is free and open to children in preschool through sixth grade of the 1993-94 school year."

Children must live within the Jackson School District to participate in the program. "All that's needed to participate in the program is a library card from the library that can be filled out by parents or a guardian," Holmes said.

She said children who have signed up for the summer reading program will check out books from the Jackson Public Library, read them at home, and receive incentives for each five books they read, or for the number of pages they read, up to 15, depending on their reading level.

Preschool children receive incentives for books read to them.

Each child who completes the program will receive a sticker, a paperback book of the child's choice from an approved selection of titles, a certificate signed by the governor of Missouri, a bookmark that will entitle the child to a free hamburger from Burger King, and an opportunity for one of several prizes on display at the library.

The library will give away three bicycles as grand prizes for winners in preschool, grades K-2 and grades 3-6. The reading requirements to compete for the bicycles are available at the library.

"In addition to the reading program, several special activities are planned to implement the `Celebrate! Read!' theme," Holmes added. "We'll have baby animals from Capetown Safari, an archery demonstration, a children's theater presented by the Horizon Program from Southeast Missouri State University, a magic show, a police dog demonstration, a model train demonstration, and a visit from Smokey."

Holmes said registration for the reading portion of the summer program will continue through July 2. Registration does not have to be done on the first day.

Holmes said, "Parents may register their children for both the reading program and the special activity program by phone or in person, but children must participate in the reading program to be eligible to attend the special activities."

For more information about the summer reading and activities program, contact Holmes at the Jackson Public Library, 243-5150.

The library is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., and Saturday, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.