Libraries Kick Off Summer Reading Program

Fairfax County Public Libraries kick off the "Amazing Tales" summer reading program today, offering programs and prizes as incentives for children to read while school is out.

Participants can win a coupon book filled with prizes if they complete their reading and check in with their local library by Sept. 3. Preschoolers through sixth-graders need to read 15 books to be eligible for the coupon book. Seventh- through 12th-graders must read eight.

For suggested reading lists, see the PDF files in the box to the right of this story.

In addition to the reading program, Oakton Library has several programs scheduled to engage children throughout the summer, starting at 2:30 p.m. today with The Magic of Hans Christian Andersen puppet show.

Here is a schedule of other Oakton Library summer events for children:

• The Magic of Hans Christian Andersen: 2:30 p.m. today. Applause Unlimited presents "The Ugly Duckling," "Thumbelisa" and "The Emperor's New Clothes" told with puppets and masks. All ages.
• Circus in a Suitcase: 2:30 p.m. June 28. Ringmaster Harold Wood becomes a magician, juggler, clown and more right before your eyes. All ages.
• Small Wonders: 10:30 a.m. July 6 and Aug. 3. Short stories for you and your child. Age 13-23 months with adult.
• Wild Tails: 10:30 a.m. July 8. Wildlife Ambassadors bring animal guests to explore how these animals use their tails to communicate, climb, protect themselves and more. Age 6-12.
• Reptile Wonders: 10:30 a.m. July 16. Meet and learn about these animals with Reptile Wonders' Nature Center on the Go. Age 6-12.
• Lunch Bunnies: noon July 20. Bring your blanket and lunch — enjoy stories while you eat. Birth-5 with an adult.
• Stuntology: 7 p.m. July 28. Sam Bartlett, musician, artist and author of Stuntology, presents pranks, tricks and stunts to amuse yourself and amaze your friends.
• Bubble Bath Bunny with Kamp Kreatures Puppets: 7 p.m. Aug. 11. Eager Beaver tries to get his pet Magic Bunny to take a bath. All ages.

Visit the library's website to get a full schedule of events.