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Catch The 2008 Summer Reading program explores the world of insects and far beyond. It features science, games, art activities and more to help young people in Boyd County, and across the state, sharpen their reading skills. Bugs are a great way to attract kids to the library, and get them more interested in reading, said Misti Tidman, supervisor of the youth services department at BCPL.
Kentucky is home to around 10,000 different species of insects. One non-native that recently found a home in many Kentucky libraries, including Boyd County, is the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach. A few of the six-legged creatures have been living at the Library’s three branches since February and accompanying staff on school visits as they work to get kids excited about reading this summer. During the program kickoff at the Main Branch, children will be asked to vote on a name for the family of roaches. Daisy, who likes nothing better than for a human to read to her, became the first pig ever invited inside the U.S. Capitol back in 2002. She also received her own letter from First Lady Laura Bush. Daisy, who hails from Bristol, Conn., is traveling the country this summer to fulfill her mission: encourage youngsters to develop a love for reading. Daisy has hundreds of library cards from the schools and libraries she has visited across the country. See photo gallery! Kids are invited to dress in bib overalls and straw hats and come hang out with Daisy for a book or two. After the story time, Daisy will stick around to meet her new friends. A “smooch” might not even be out of the question!
At the kickoff, children will also get all the information they need about the Summer Reading program, including weekly program times and reward categories. Rewards include “grow bugs,” candy insects, buggy finger puppets, restaurant coupons and plush butterflies.
The teen program, Metamorphosis, includes special programs and prizes geared toward those 13-18. Special activities include Tattoo Night, digital photo manipulation, and movie night. The Piece-ing it Together Quilt Club at Summit is making a special Summer Reading quilt that will be given away at the end of the six weeks. Buggy Movies!
Each branch will also be having final end-of program parties, either during the last regular program week, or the following week. All the programs are designed to “help children retain their reading levels over the summer,” while having fun along the way, said Deborah Jonas, information specialist in the youth services department. Research supports the importance of summer reading as a means to academic achievement. Studies have shown:
For more information on Summer Reading 2008, call (606) 329-0090. .
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Bugs are swarming at the library during the six-week summer reading program called “Catch the Reading Bug!” at the Ashland, Catlettsburg and Summit branches. 
Tidman and other youth librarians have been learning all about bugs in preparation for this summer’s programs. For example, they learned:
The kickoff took place June 2 when Daisy the famous pot-bellied pig visits the Main Branch with her friend, Farmer Minor. 
Immediately following, there will be a special showing of “Charlotte’s Web,” the classic tale of the friendship between a pig and a spider that can read and write. A picnic-style lunch will be provided.
Weekly program times starting June 9 for six weeks:
Buggy movie titles for the summer are: June 10, “The Bee Movie”; June 17, “Barbie: Mariposa”; June 24, “Miss Spider’s Sunny Patch: Bug-a-Boo Day Play”; July 1, “The Ant Bully”; July 8: “Magic School Bus: Bugs, Bugs, Bugs”; and July 15, “A Bug’s Life.” A picnic-style lunch will be provided.