The Moore County Reading Association has launched a summer reading project.

This project is a first for MCRA. The goal of this project is to encourage children to visit their local libraries and booksellers this summer to find reading materials for enjoyment and learning.

The literacy committee of the MCRA chose the book “Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters,” by President Barack Obama, to be read in parts by various community leaders as an introduction to launch summer reading in Moore County communities.

“These community leaders were invited to read portions of the book while being taped, and we want to thank them for all of their time and effort,” says a spokesman.

A video was created which has been posted at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qrBxjz8-y

A suggested book list for summer reading for students can be found on the MCS website. Go to: www.ncmcs.org, then visit “Student and Parent Resources Page.” Several book talks made by library professionals will also be included on this website.

“Enjoy your summer as you read one of the many books available to you as you visit a library or bookseller in Moore County,” says the spokesman.

Montgomery Library

Montgomery County Public Library announces some of its upcoming events.

Pee Dee Wildlife will present a program, “Waterfowl and Wildlife,” at 10 a.m. Monday, July 11, at the Mount Gilead Library.

Storyteller Tyris D. Jones will tell “Folk Tales, Tall Tales and Just My Tales” in a program that features music and humor at the Biscoe Community Center, Biscoe, at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 12.

Learn about Hmong and Laotian culture in a program by Geo Vang and other community members at the Troy Library at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 13.

See exotic and familiar animals perform in a program, Action Animals, USA, at the Biscoe Community Center, Biscoe at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 14.

Make macrame bracelets in a program for youth and teens at the Troy Library on Thursday, July 14, at 4 p.m.

Enjoy story-time at Montgomery County Public Library. Miss Dianne will present stories at the Biscoe Library each Friday at 11 a.m. Miss Nancy will read stories at the Mount Gilead Library each Tuesday at 3 p.m.

Mike Greene, Bigfoot researcher, will tell “Bigfoot Stories” at the Biscoe Library Monday, July 18 at 10 a.m.

The “Storytelling Troubadour,” Susan Clarke, will provide stories and music at the Biscoe Community Center, Biscoe, Tuesday, July 19, at 10 a.m.

A representative of Morrow Mountain State Park will tell about nature at Morrow Mountain and show exhibits at the Star Town Hall Wednesday, July 20 at 10 a.m.

Storyteller Dawn Aroneach and Fancy Dance champion Daniel Tramper, both of Cherokee, will present “Native American Stories, Music and Dance” at the Biscoe Community Center, Biscoe, Thursday, July 21 at 10 a.m.

Join Macon’s Martial Arts Academy for a program, “Karate Anyone?” It will be held at the Candor Library Friday, July 22, at 10 a.m.

Dan the Animal Man will present “Wild Animal Encounters” at 10 and 11:30 a.m. at the Biscoe Community Center, Biscoe, Tuesday, July 26.

“Dr. Seuss Theatre,” a production by Mary Lou Wyckoff, will be held at the Star Town Hall at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 27.

Contest

The Writers’ Workshop of Asheville is sponsoring the sixth annual Meet the Authors Contest, with a deadline of July 30.

The top five contest winners will meet National Book Award-winning authors E.L. Doctorow and Peter Matthiessen in Sag Harbor, N.Y., Sept. 13-15. They will have the opportunity to discuss their stories with the authors and have books autographed. In addition, 10 honorable mentions will receive recognition.

Submit an unpublished story or chapter of a novel (fiction or creative nonfiction), of 5,000 words or less. Pages should be paper clipped. The entrant’s name, address, email, phone, title and genre of work (fiction or nonfiction) should also appear on a cover sheet. Double-space; use 12 point font.

The entry fee is $30 per story. Multiple entries are accepted. Enclose legal size self-sealing SASE for critique and list of winners. Make a check or money order payable to The Writers’ Workshop, and mail to: Authors Contest, 387 Beaucatcher Road, Asheville, NC 28805. Emailed submissions may be sent to writersw@gmail.com, with ‘Authors Contest’ in the subject line.

The entry fee can be paid online at www.twwoa.org.