Summer reading program kicks off at Robins Published July 3, 2008 By Lanorris Askew 78 ABW/PA Robins Air Force Bae, GA -- Literacy and its importance to academic and life-long success doesn't take summer vacations. The library's summer reading program here is making sure its participants stay on track. This year's program, which has the theme "Time to Get Caught in a Story," will introduce the children to an interesting cast of characters - many of whom have at least eight legs. "We've pulled out all of the bug books and we'll do Internet searches to learn more about bugs," said Blanchella Casey, base supervisory librarian . "We are also going to give out plastic bug jars to catch lightning bugs. We're excited and think it's going to be lots of fun." The summer reading program, which kicked off June 23, runs through July 21 and offers both preschoolers and school-aged children a chance to learn about bug species while encouraging them to read. Mrs. Casey, who has been with the Robins library since 1999, said the yearly program was the brainchild of the American Library Association and has been going on for nearly three decades. "The program's primary purpose is to keep children's reading levels up during the summer," she said. "Reading is a skill and if it's not used it declines." While the program has an educational basis, Mrs. Casey said it's her goal to make the experience fun. "We don't want it to be too much like school because they are on vacation," she said. "Each week the children will be able to enjoy a different craft project." The librarian said in addition to activities to keep the children looking forward to coming back each week, she has a relaxed goal for her readers. "I don't say that if you read 10 books you get a prize," she said. "Everyone gets a prize if they come and read and for the little ones if their parents read to them that also counts." The entire library staff and some volunteers will host the weekly get together. Venus Zahiri, a library aide for nine months, said she enjoys helping people find the books they are looking for and is looking forward to helping during the program. "I am going to help with the craft projects, and my son, who is a volunteer, is going to read some books," said Mrs. Zahiri. "I want the kids to learn from the stories they hear. Good storytellers draw kids in and she said she's sure her son, 13-year-old Farbod Zahiri, will be able to do that. Farbod, an 8th grader at Huntington Middle School, said he had some free time this summer and since he loves to read decided this would be a great thing to do. He is confident he can make story time fun "I want the children who I read to to enjoy the books and have fun," he said. He hopes it encourages those who don't already enjoy reading. The program will include story time, arts and crafts activities, and a chance for the children to check books out for their personal reading pleasure. It starts each Monday at 10 a.m. for preschoolers and 11 a.m. for school-aged children. The program will conclude July 21 with an ice cream party.