VIDEO: Summer Reading Kicks Off at Perry Hall Library

Tracey Eldridge's didgeridoo was longer than many of the children in the audience were tall.

The ancient Australian pipe howled through the 's meeting room Thursday afternoon. Dozens of children listened intently during Eldridge's presentation of international instruments made from recycled materials. 

The event was part of the library's kickoff of the “One World, Many Stories” summer reading program.

Roxane Gnau, library program manager, said the international theme has struck a chord with local families.

"Baltimore County in general is really diverse," Gnau said. "This theme is popular because it incorporates the whole world—all different types of people and languages."

One week into the program, about 2,200 Perry Hall students are registered to participate. But Gnau said she expects the branch to exceed last year's record of 3,400 by the time the program ends on Aug. 14.

All age groups are encouraged to participate, according to a county library news release. 

• The “Read-to-Me Club” program is open to babies and preschool children.
• A board game, where every five books read earns one sticker toward a variety of prizes, is available for elementary school children.
• The “You Are Here!” program for middle school teens also offers prizes for every three books read, including an iPod touch and gift cards to stores and movie theaters. 
• The new “Goodreads” group offers reading prizes, including a $50 gift certificate to Phillips Seafood, to high school students and adults.

Additional educational and entertainment programs following the “One World, Many Stories” theme will be available throughout the summer at library branches.

Programs are financed with the help of the Foundation for Baltimore County Public Library, PNC Bank, The College Savings Plan of Maryland and individual donors, the news release stated.