Keep the pages turning and the children learning this summer with Tulsa City-County Library’s annual children’s and teen summer reading programs.

The 2012 summer reading program begins May 21 at all TCCL locations. The theme for the 2012 children’s program is “Dream Big - Read” and the tween/teen program theme is “Own the Night.” Both themes have a strong focus on nighttime, nocturnal animals and astronomy. Many libraries are hosting kickoff parties on May 19, as well as the following week, where children and teens can sign up for the program early and enjoy fun activities and events.

Kickoff parties are planned at these TCCL locations on May 19:

  • Charles Page Library, 551 E. Fourth St., 1-5 p.m., At 2 p.m. enjoy a performance by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Ambassadors of Laughter Clowns
  • Collinsville Library, 1223 Main, 4-6:30 p.m.
  • Glenpool Library, 730 E. 141st St., 10 a.m.-noon
  • Herman and Kate Kaiser Library, 5202 S. Hudson Ave., 1-4 p.m., Story Stroll
  • Judy Z. Kishner Library, 10150 N. Cincinnati, Sperry, noon-4 p.m.
  • Pratt Library, 3219 S. 113th W. Ave, Sand Springs, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Schusterman-Benson Library, 3333 E. 32nd Place, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Pajamarama
  • Zarrow Regional Library, 2224 W. 51st St., 1-3 p.m.

May 21

  • Hardesty Regional Library, 8316 E. 93rd St., 6:30-7:15 p.m., Stories Around the Campfire
  • Rudisill Regional Library, 1520 N. Hartford, 4-6 p.m. Featuring Christian rapper Chris Slager, Wii games and Booker T. Washington High School teen poetry slam champions Louder Than a Bomb.

May 22

  • Jenks Library, 523 W. B St., 1-3 p.m., Tropical Luau Party

May 24

  • Martin Regional Library, 2601 S. Garnett Road, 6:30-8 p.m.
  • 41st & Riverside QuikTrip Plaza, 10-10:30 a.m., Storytime in the Park with Sugar Free Allstars

May 31

  • Skiatook Library, 316 E. Rogers, 1-3 p.m.

To participate, children and teens, ages 0 to 18, can stop by any library and pick up a summer reading program log. The reading log is used to record the number of books read and visits made to the library throughout the summer. Children complete the program by making four visits to the library and reading eight books before July 28. This will earn them a special medal of achievement featuring Buddy Bookworm, and a coupon booklet for free entertainment and food items, and entry into a grand prize drawing. For summer readers who make four visits to the library and read 20 books, there is a special plush bat bonus prize!

Tweens and teens complete the program by reading six books throughout the summer and then turning in their reading log by July 28. By completing the program, they will earn a coupon booklet for free entertainment and food items, a multicolor LED pen, and entry into a grand prize drawing.

Families can pick up an event guide with all of the free programs planned for children and teens this summer. Performers and presenters from all over Tulsa County, Oklahoma and the nation participate. Hundreds of events for all ages are taking place in May, June and July. Families can explore events about American Indian dancing and storytelling, yoga, drawing, music, crafts, and much more.

Overdue fines will be waived for children and teens participating in the program. Waiving fines is an additional incentive for joining.

Gov. Mary Fallin has proclaimed May 19-July 28 as “Tulsa City-County Library Summer Reading Months” in Oklahoma. The proclamation states the summer reading program inspires children to become lifelong readers and learners.

Thank you to our presenting sponsors: the Tulsa Zoo, Williams, the Tulsa Drillers, the Tulsa Shock, the Friends of the Helmerich Library, the Tulsa Library Trust, the Flint Family Foundation, Tulsa’s Channel 8, the Hille Foundation and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.

For more information on TCCL’s children’s and teen summer reading programs, call the AskUs Hotline, 918-549-7323, or visit the library’s website, www.tulsalibrary.org.