Participate in the Summer Reading Program at Manheim Community Library, and you never know what you'll uncover. "Unearth a Story" is this year's theme for the program, which will focus on dinosaurs, archaeology and paleontology. Summer Reading kicked off on June 6 and will run through Saturday, Aug. 15, at the library, 547 N. Penryn Road, Manheim.

"Everyone from babies to adults is encouraged to read with us during this challenge," said Karen McCrady, community relations coordinator for the library. She explained that the summer will be packed with activities for everyone to enjoy.

Highlights will include a return visit by cartoonist Ed Klein on Tuesday, June 23, for "Cartooning Made Easy" at 10:30 a.m. and "Flip Book Animation" at 1:30 p.m. He'll also present a third class geared toward teens and adults at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 30.

"Join us for 'Ameri-ca-dabra,' a special celebration of the founding of America with Country Conjuring Magic Host Erick Hershey on July 8 at 10 a.m.," McCrady said. "On the flip side, we have 'Mind Blowing Bubbles' with Karen Stark on July 13 at 10 a.m. And lastly, 'Dino Drive-In Theater,' where kids can decorate their own car out of a cardboard box and watch a movie in it, is on July 23 at 5:30 p.m."

Esther Martin, youth services coordinator at the library, said choosing programs for Summer Reading is a fun challenge every year.

"I often ask patrons what programs they would like to see more of in the library. And I often lean toward programs that suit the local patrons' interests," she said. "Many of the programs this year are brand new, so I look forward to seeing the response from the community."

Participating in the Summer Reading Program will provide an opportunity to win a variety of prizes, Martin said.

"At our library, every child between ages of birth to 19 gets to select a free book from a selection we purchase," she stated. "They will also receive a voucher for a free Fox Paw from Fox Meadows. Both of those are in addition to the minimum of 11 prizes provided through the Library System of Lancaster County for each age group." A full list of prizes is available in the Summer Reading info packet patrons can pick up at the library.

"Complete the Adult Reading Program for a chance to win these enticing prizes - tickets for Hershey Gardens, Longwood Gardens, a Puzzle Prize Package and a $25 gift card to Stauffers," Martin said.

To participate in the Summer Reading Program, patrons must register in person at the library, and then they'll receive a special Summer Reading bag.

"Who doesn't love to win? I certainly do!" Martin said. "Thankfully, we make earning prizes easy. All you have to do is turn in your log after completing the reading, activities and any information asked for on the back."

Library director LaTrobe Barnitz emphasized that the benefits of the Summer Reading Program extend well beyond fun and prizes. Kids who participate keep their academic skills sharp over the summer months.

"Reading encourages focus and sustains attention, which is a healthier counterbalance to the quick-hit stimulation of video games or social media," he said. "We are helping to get the focus off the screen with even better results, turning stories into a living, breathing adventure for everyone involved."

To learn more, visit https://manheimlibrary.org.