MIFFLINTOWN –Reading books and visiting the library during the summer months can help keep young people engaged in educational activities while having fun and participating in new things.

The Juniata County Library’s summer reading program is a great place for families to spend time this summer and participate in the many free activities and programs planned for the nine-week program.

“Libraries Rock” is the theme of this year’s program, which will kick off on June 8 at the library on Jefferson Street, in Mifflintown. The program, which runs June 11 through Aug. 10, is for children of all ages, as well as adults.

The kickoff event, which runs from 1 to 3 p.m., starts with registration for all ages outside the lower level entrance. The event will include fun activities, crafts and coloring for the little ones, and music courtesy of library friend Sue Hipple and her band. If unable to attend the kickoff, registration can be found online at www.juniatacountylibrary.org or on social media.

Funded largely by the United Way, the summer reading program will focus on a well-rounded education through reading and STEM activities. With this year’s theme being music based, Vince Giordano, library director, said this year’s reading challenge will look like the back cover of a music CD with each “track” featuring a different genre of books so reader’s will create a “reading soundtrack.”

Life Long Learning classes will continue this summer for adults including classes on cursive writing and technology classes on computer programs and hand-held devices.

Wanting libraries to be part of its patrons’ life for many years to come, the library’s children’s director, Jocinda Rhinier, has special activities and events planned for young people to get them excited about the library.

Children up to age 12 can get a Summer Reading Activity log. If a child completes 10 activities, he or she can earn different levels of prizes or earn raffles for larger prizes like a drone, instant film camera, geode kit or dinosaur fossil kit.

“The activities are easily completed,” Rhinier said.

Suggested activities include going on a scavenger hunt for colors, learning a new song, help a neighbor, try a new food, have a screen-free day and of course, read a book.

Storytime summer sessions include 10:30 a.m. on Mondays for preschool, ages 3-6; and 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays for Tales for Twos, ages 18 months – 2 years; and 10 a.m. on Thursdays for Spy School Book Club, for grades 4-6.

Every other Tuesday afternoon, a teen activity will be held including a movie, crafting and cookie decorating.

Thursdays will also include STEAM lab activities for kids in grades kindergarten through fifth grade to come and get hands on with different activities.

Wonderful Wednesdays this summer will feature various presenters, performers and special activities for families. Some of the visitors or events include Adam Swartz and his puppet show, a butterfly release, Science Tellers and a tree identification hike and scavenger hunt.

Giordano said he feels participating in any or all events is important for anyone attending school and that the library offers a comfortable, air conditioned environment in the summer and in July, the library will have new fiber optic internet installed.

“We have a lot of free activities and programs available to anyone,” Giordano said. “We try to target all ages. We encourage everyone to read and take this fun opportunity to learn things and meet new people and hope they stay in touch after the summer reading program is over.”

For more information, visit www.juniatalibrary.org or www.facebook.com/juniata publiclibrary or call (717) 436-6378.