Summer Reading Program Kicks Off At Local Libraries

As part of an effort to encourage reading, the public libraries in Lake Elsinore and Wildomar kicked off the Summer Reading Program today in collaboration with the Riverside County Library System.

This year’s program theme, “One World, Many Stories,” which promotes reading about travel and faraway places, is being celebrated at andLakeside Library.

is handing out prizes to kids who sign up, and for every five books they read as part of the program they get additional trinkets, like gift certificates to local eateries, key chains, and necklaces.

“We do this to encourage kids to read over the summer,” said Ronda Kirkbride Lake Elsinore Library, Children’s Services.

in Wildomar is also handing out prizes to children who sign up, and the branch has extended the Summer Reading Program -- including prizes -- to teens and adults.

Even tots who aren't old enough to read yet can participate: prizes are handed out to little ones whose parents read aloud to them.

To earn prizes at the Wildomar location, the children need to read one book per week, teens must read two hours per week, and adults are required to finish one book per week.

At the Mission Trail branch today, festivities and entertainment – including a clown and Jasper the famous Wildomar alpaca – helped promote the program.

Kirkbride said at the Lake Elsinore branch there were crafts and colorful posters hung throughout the library in support of today’s kick-off.

Lakeside Library also kicked off its program. Roya Smith, the library's children's services coordinator, said flyers were sent to schools in the Lake Elsinore Unified School District to promote the event. By mid-afternoon Monday, 81 families had signed up for the program.

Agnes Rita, head librarian at the Mission Trail branch, said today saw more than 150 participants signed up by 1:30 p.m. The Lake Elsinore branch had approximately 40 kids signed up by mid-day.

The program, which is a countywide effort through the Riverside County Public Library System, runs through the next six weeks and signups are welcome any time.

The program is free at all three library branches.

For more information, click on the library nearest you: , Lakeside Library or .