Catch the summer reading bug! Published May 14, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Stratton Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- "Catch the Reading Bug" summer reading program is scheduled to begin June 7 at the base library here. "This is a great summer activity that is completely free," said Sharon Emrich, base library circulation clerk. "This is a great family program for kids of all ages." Since 1987, Air Combat Command has promoted this national summer reading program to promote the scholastic skills of all Airmen and their families. Last year, the program educated more than 250 participants of all ages. "We want to encourage the single Airmen to participate too," Tammi Barnes, acquisition technician said. "They have the opportunity to win one of the great prizes too!" The tentative schedule is as follows: · June 7 at 1 p.m. is the kick-off party at the base library. People can register and stay for games and activities. · Story time every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Hear stories and make crafts for pre-school-aged children. · Saturday story time is the second Saturday of every month at 1 p.m. for children up to third grade. · "Reading to Rover" is the last Saturday of each month for readers to read to dogs. Participants can either be just learning, need practice, are shy, or just love dogs. Fifteen-minute slots are available, but those interested must register. · July 12 at 1 p.m.: the Roosevelt Park Zoo will bring live insects to the library. Featured insects include Madagascar hissing cockroaches and a variety of tarantulas. · Aug. 9 is the final day of the program. "If you miss the cockroaches from down South, come to the library," Barnes said, regarding the July 12 visit from the local zoo. There will also be prizes for the best readers by age group: · 7 & under - backyard habitat cage or the turbo bug vacuum · 8 to 12 - a radio-controlled tarantula · Teens - a radio-controlled flying dragon fly · Adults - the double ladder ball The program is for everyone, according to the base library staff, all people need is a picture identification card and access to the base to use the library. For more information about the summer reading program, visit: library.minot.accqolnet.org or call 723-3344.