SPRING INTO READING

Helen Hunt, left, picked up her book tracking card for the Spring Into Reading program from Marilyn Hutchings, library reference associate.

Books including "Beloved" by Toni Morrison were suggested for the adult reading program.

Have you read a good romance, western, science fiction or mystery book lately? Now's the time to make your selection and participate in Cape Girardeau Public Library's adult reading program, Spring Into Reading.

A special kickoff party hosted by Candy Heise, Adult Services Coordinator and Marilyn Hutchings, Reference Associate, was held Saturday at the library.

A dozen people attended the event which was held to introduce the program, explain the conditions of participating and sign up participants. In addition, both Heise and Hutchings gave brief reviews of a few of the books on the reading list.

Heise attended a Public Library Association meeting in Kansas City last year. "I heard so many good things about this type of program from other librarians that I thought we should try it here."

Margaret Huebel brings her grandchildren to the library to participate in the children's reading programs. "When I heard about this, I thought, 'I have no reason not to do this,'" said Huebel.

Huebel's love for reading and books carries just a little farther. She admitted to telling the librarians, "If there is ever an earthquake and I can't get home, I hope I'm near the library. I'll just crawl in and read."

To participate in the program you need to come by the library to sign up. After you have read 10 books from the approved list, you may register for the prize drawing to be held at the July 31 end of the program.

Selections appealing to a wide spectrum of readers are included in the list of over 400 award-winning books and audio tapes.

Sign ups may be done anytime through July 24. The only other condition is that two of the first 10 selections must be non-fiction. "After that you may read what you wish," said Heise. Participants are eligible to register for the drawing three times by reading thirty books.

Prize donations so far include a $15 gift certificate from Barnes and Noble, a $20 gift certificate from Hobby Lobby, Blackberry Sage "Tea for Wisdom" from A Touch of Grace and several books from Walden Books.

Helen Hunt who retired to Cape Girardeau from Pensacola, Fla. had been involved with a similar program there. "Our family has always been avid readers," said Hunt.

Additional adult programs are planned for late summer/early fall and for winter. The next program will be entitled "Don't Judge a Book by It's Movie."