There's no shortage of fun happening at Columbia Public Library this summer. The library, 24 S. Sixth St., kicked off its Summer Reading Program on June 3, and the activities will run until Saturday, Aug. 12.

"Our theme is 'All Together Now,' which embraces the idea of working together," said Heather Beury, library director. "It embraces our differences and our diversity."

Summer Reading participants may pick up a reading log at the library or sign up online at the library's website, https://columbiapubliclibrary.org. "We now have online registration for programs," Beury noted.

Highlights of the Summer Reading Program include a return visit from Jesse Rothacker of Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary on Wednesday, July 26. "We are introducing 'Touch a Truck' events this year, and we're bringing in the Hands-on House and Lancaster Science Factory as well," Beury stated. "We have a new magician, Erick Hershey, this year."

The goal of the Summer Reading Program, which is open to people age 19 and under, is to promote literacy and fun, she shared. "It's really good to keep kids reading all summer long, so they are prepared when school starts again," Beury said. "We have some really great programs, and there are opportunities to win rewards and prizes for reading."

Beury took over as director of the library in May, when former director Lisa Greybill retired. Beury has worked for the library for 23 years, serving most recently as operations manager. In her new role, she's ready to bring new programs and opportunities to the library.

"My big motto is, 'How can we do it better?'" she remarked, noting that she plans to initiate community programs, including a book delivery service in town. "How can we change things up and bring something different in and offer even more to the community?"

One of the programs Beury is especially excited to promote is reading with therapy dogs. Kelly Skiptunas, a reading volunteer, will bring her Rottweiler, Jager, to the library on Thursday, July 13; Wednesday, July 19; Tuesday, Aug. 1; and Wednesday, Aug. 9. Children will have the opportunity to read with the dog after a Summer Reading Program activity held on the same dates.

"Reading to dogs is not threatening, because they don't judge," Skiptunas remarked. "No one is going to laugh at you if you ask a question or if you stumble over your words."

Skiptunas is a member of the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and Reading Education Assistance Dogs and has been bringing pups to the library for the past 15 years. Along with Jager, other therapy dogs that regularly read with children are Rottweilers Dillon and Holly and cardigan Welsh corgi Ronnie.

In addition to the library, Skiptunas brings her dogs to local nursing homes, Park Elementary School in Columbia, Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC in York and the Lebanon VA Hopsital.

Thanks to a grant, children who read with the dogs receive a small prize afterward, which can range from a new book to bookmarks or coloring pages.

"Reading with the dogs is a wonderful way to get kids excited about reading," Skiptunas said. "It's just so rewarding."