The theme of this year's Summer Reading Program is "All Together Now," focusing on friendship, unity and kindness. You can be a part of the fun when Summer Reading kicks off for the Manheim Community Library on Saturday, June 3. The festivities will begin at 10 a.m. at Mummau Park, 446 Chestnut St., Manheim.

"We will have a table set up with sign-up sheets for the Summer Reading Program, where people can pick up their reading logs and goodie bags," said Jes Wagner, community relations coordinator for the library. "There will also be a performance by the juggling duo The DKers."

Wagner noted that this year's Summer Reading Program is full of a variety of activities. "This year, we have some new reading prizes, such as movie passes to Penn Cinema, but we also have a variety of programs planned for the summer that are focused around building community and friendship," she remarked. She noted that some of the highlights will include Animal Cahoots, presented by Lancaster Parks and Recreation on Thursday, June 8, at 10 a.m.; a Dinosaur Dig on Wednesday, June 28, at 1 p.m.; and a presentation by Jesse Rothacker from Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26. "We have a variety of magicians coming throughout the summer as well, including one only at Manheim Community Library," Wagner shared. "Ridiculous Nicholas will be here on (Thursday) July 13 at 10 a.m."

Wagner underscored the importance of the Summer Reading Program, adding, "Summer Reading is more than reading a few books and collecting your prizes. It's a way to stay connected with your friends over the summer by coming to fun programs."

It also helps students retain information learned over the previous school year, she said. "By completing the challenges, it keeps your brain sharp for learning the next school year," she commented. "It encourages kids, as well as adults, to pick up a book and read or to visit the library when the summer boredom kicks in. Summer Reading helps to prevent the 'summer slide,' so that they are ready for the next school year."

Wagner noted this year's Summer Reading Program is being offered in conjunction with GO Lancaster, which is a program that is designed to get kids outside by visiting county parks. "You can pick up a booklet at the library that has instructions on how to participate," she said.

For more information on Summer Reading at Manheim Community Library, visit https://manheimlibrary.org.