By Baileigh Rebowe

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Registration for the 2011 Summer Reading Program kicked off this week in St. Charles, St. John and St. James parish libraries, providing two months of activities, performances, craft programs, sports events and other incentives to promote reading and thinking.

The program is free, and the themes for this year include “One World, Many Stories”, “You are Here” and “Novel Destinations” in St. John Parish, “One World Many Stories” in St. James Parish and “Down on the Farm” in St. Charles Parish.

Those who register will be given a reading log to keep track of how many minutes read each day along with a certificate when the program is complete.

Ages children are allowed to participate vary by parish. In St. Charles children 2-12 years old can participate, in St. John requirements are 2 years old and up and in St. James Parish 3 years old and up.

The goal of the summer reading programs are to encourage “self-confidence, creativity and imaginative thinking” in children and youth according to St. Charles Parish Library.

The libraries’ calendars are packed with special events in the coming months for participants, hoping to spread the message that reading can be fun.

Some of the events include dancers, magicians, musicians, ice cream and balloon socials and sleepovers.

For more information, stop at any local branch this week or visit http://www.publiclibraries.com/louisiana to get information on which branch is closest to you.