The Atchison County Library system will be offering two reading programs for area children this summer and will both carry the theme “Tails and Tales” – emphasizing animal stories or tall tales. For the second year, the library will be offering a remote access reading challenge that runs June 21 through July 19 for county-wide participants aged 7-12. Readers will be challenged to read and submit a record of chapter books, making them eligible for a completion prize. Readers may currently register for this program by clicking on the access button at the library home page (https://youseemore.com/acl/) and following directions, or by calling the library at 660-744-5404.

A traditional reading program for younger patrons will be hosted by all three branches of the library system and will run Tuesdays and Thursdays June 22 through July 8. These dates will include activities and stories. Register a reader at your local library branch in Rock Port, Tarkio or Fairfax.

All participants in the programs will be treated to an opening event presented by Wildlife Encounters of Gretna, Nebraska, on June 17. Possible animals included in the shows will be an alligator, tortoise, boa constrictor, or baby kangaroo. Catch the presentation at Rock Port (10:00 a.m.), Tarkio (12:00 noon), or Fairfax (2:00 p.m.).

Be sure to register your reader now online (reading challenge) or at your library branch (traditional).