From puppet shows to live rock band performances, numerous opportunities to learn and have fun await participants of Summerfest, the summer reading program at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.

Our kick-off party begins at 9am and again at 1pm today in Marvin Auditorium. Children can get their faces painted, see a puppet show, have their pictures taken and make crafts.

Today is also the first day readers can pick up a reading log to start charting their reading path. Prizes, including a family pass to Worlds of Fun and to Gage Park, will be awarded in August to individuals who have reached certain levels on their reading path. This year's theme for children is Be Creative, the teen's theme is Express Yourself and the adult's theme is Master the Art of Reading.

Among the attractions at the library this summer is the Sabatini Art Gallery's Annual Art Exhibit for Children, What I Did on My Summer Vacation by Lawrence Artist Constance Ehrlich, which is open through June 12.

Each Wednesday in June and July, blockbuster entertainers such as The Spinmaster Brent Dellinger and Mr. Stinky Feet Jim Cosgrove will delight children and adults alike. Tuesdays feature hands-on activities including dancing and acting workshops, crafts, an instrument fair and Project Little Foot, a storytelling workshop held in collaboration with University of Kansas design students. Tap into the summer reading links on our Home page for a program schedule for youth, teens and adults or pick up the June/July edition of connectnow.

"Although we have an extraordinary lineup of entertaining programs, summer reading is about more than just being entertained. Participating in summer reading allows a child to keep up their reading skills so when they start school in the fall they are able to jump right in," said Jeri Eckhardt, chairwoman for Youth Services Summerfest activities.

Summerfest is brought to you in part by The Friends of the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, Applebee's, Auntie Anne's Pretzels, Carlos O'Kelly's, CiCi's Pizza, Cold Stone Creamery, Gage Bowl, Hazel Hill Chocolates, McDonald's and Straight Water.