West Bloomfield Library to Kick Off Summer Reading in Style

Most schools in West Bloomfield may have let out Thursday, but the is committed to keeping books open throughout the summer.

The main library’s summer reading program kicks off Saturday with a special day full of science, art, animals, physical activities and more.

From 9 a.m.-5 p.m., children and their parents are invited to stop by the library for miniature golf and a bounce house. From 1-4 p.m., there will be face and body painting as well as a science show and a presentation by the West Bloomfield Fire Department. A petting farm will be there to offer pony rides, courtesy of the Bowers School Farm.

Adults and teens are also invited to sign up for reading programs featuring books that cater to readers of all ages, as well as special programs throughout the summer.

“The library is a special place where you can really go to have fun in the summer. The petting farm we had last year or the year before had a camel. You don’t typically see that in Michigan, much less (at) the library,” said Mary Killian, adult services director.

Children and teens who register for summer reading can earn tickets redeemable for books and also can enter a contest, sponsored by BestSource Credit Union, to win an iPod. Adults can earn a gift card to the library's Friendshop.

In addition, the library has prepared reading lists for those too preoccupied during the other months to pay attention to the latest new releases. "There have been a lot of studies that say if you read four to five books during the summer, you'll hit the ground running when school resumes," Killian said.

For the lists, click here.

Upcoming programs include:

• Madcap Puppet Show: 2 p.m. June 23 — Join us for Tales of Flight with the Brothers Wright, presented by the always entertaining Madcap Puppet Theatre troupe.
• Michigan Opera Theatre presents The Pied Piper: 11 a.m. June 30, — This delightful musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale uses children from the audience in nonspeaking roles.
• Wii Karaoke Tournament: noon-4 p.m. July 16 — Compete against friends, family and other challengers as you sing along to chart-topping hits.
• Steve King and the Dittilies Outdoor Concert: 7 p.m. July 26 — Rock along with Steve King and the band as they play the sounds of summer with beach party hits from the 1960s.
• Animal Magic: 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Aug. 2 — Mark Rosenthal, life science expert, will bring some of his most exotic animals to thrill and delight audiences.