Summer Reading Game Kicks Off at Scarsdale Library June 21

The Scarsdale Public Library's widely popular annual Summer Reading Game kicks off on Friday, June 21, with a performance by the local Scarsdale band, Miss Gigi and the Lend Me a Hand Band, which features interactive songs and musical games.

The kick-off will be held at the Scarsdale Library on Olmsted Road from 3:00 to 3:45 pm. No reservations are required.

The Summer Reading Game encourages children from infants through 4th grade to read or be read to during the summer months. Awards are given based on the number of books read or listened to. After two books, the participating children receive a sticker, after five books, they can dig into the "Treasure Chest" for a fun prize and after 20 books they receive a book. To encourage the children to come to the library, they receive a raffle ticket every time for a drawing for a $5 certificate at Haagen Daz, donated by the local ice-cream store.

"When the children come to the library, we like to have them discuss the books they have read with a librarian or have someone read a book to them," says Karen Zielinski, head of Youth Services. "The program has also become a family event with older children reading to their younger siblings."

Online registration begins on June 21. Parents or children should go to the library website, www.scarsdalelibrary.org, and click on the Summer Reading Program link. Last year 267 children participated in the program and read an impressive total of 4,799 books, about 18 per child.