Contact:          Joanne Hinkel

                      Community Relations

                      Boise Public Library

                      208-384-4372

                      jhinkel@cityofboise.org          

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Treasure Valley Libraries Announce 2006 Summer Reading

Paws, Claws, Scales & TALES

(Boise, Idaho –5/10/06)  Libraries throughout the state will be encouraging kids to read this summer with the 2006 theme “Paws, Claws, Scales & TALES.”  Treasure Valley kids can start signing up for Summer Reading programs June 1 at their local public library.

“We want kids to keep reading during the summer,” says Linda Brilz, Youth Services librarian at Boise Public Library, “and it’s a chance for them to read just for fun.  While they’re reading, they’re earning prizes – every child or teen who participates gets a free pass from the Boise Hawks, the Snake River Stampede Rodeo and the Discovery Center of Idaho, plus a coupon from Roundtable Pizza.”

Last year, over 11,000 kids participated in Treasure Valley Summer Reading programs, conducted by Ada Community, Boise, Caldwell, Eagle, Garden City, Meridian and Nampa libraries.  The programs are a long-standing tradition, designed to keep children reading over the summer so that they don't lose ground between semesters. 

Jillian Subach, librarian for Meridian District Library, thinks the libraries will have a lot of fun with this year’s theme.  “In Meridian, we’re kicking off Summer Reading with a Pet Night @ the Library,” she says, “complete with a pet psychic!“

Local Summer Reading programs run from June 1 to July 31. Programs vary slightly by library, with some libraries having separate programs for kids, teens and adults, and special provisions for schools and childcare centers. Visit www.idahokidsread.org or call your local library for details.