BY ALICE THOMAS

Special to The Pilot

This summer, children ages 4 to 12 can keep their reading skills sharp by participating in the summer reading program at all Moore County Libraries. "Dream Big - READ!" is the theme for 2012.

Summer reading will officially kick off at the Moore County Library in Carthage on Saturday, June 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"Children can sign up for summer reading, and there will be crafts, face painting, balloon animals, and special guests including Smokey Bear," says a library spokesperson. "At 11 a.m., Pirate Captain Jim, who has a real peg-leg, will be performing a magic show, complete with exotic birds and audience participation."

In addition to the June 9 kickoff event, children may also attend any of the free programs being offered throughout the summer.

Programs will be held on Wednesdays at the Main Library in Carthage at 10:30 a.m. and at the Robbins Area Library at 3 p.m. On Thursdays, programs will be held at the Vass Area Library at 10:30 a.m. and at the Pinebluff Library at 3 p.m.

On June 27 and 28, Weymouth Woods rangers will explain why kids should be "Batty for Books."

Summer readers will "Dream On" on July 11 and 12. The Town Creek Indian Mound will share the "Legends in the Stars" on July 18 and 19.

Storyteller Robert Allen will discover "Whooo's Reading" on July 25 and 26, and Amelia Earhart will be "Flying High" on Aug. 1 and 2.

As part of the summer reading program, children set their own goals for the number of age-appropriate books they would like to read between June 9 and Aug. 8. Audio books and books that are read to them also count.

Upon registration, they will receive a log to record the titles of books read, and prizes will be awarded throughout the summer.

Everyone who completes the program by meeting their reading goal will be invited to a final party with certificates and rewards at the Agricultural Building in Carthage on Aug. 8. This event is sponsored by the Moore County Extension and Community Affairs Association.

Storytimes for toddlers and preschoolers will continue to be held throughout the summer at the Moore County Library in Carthage on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. and at the Robbins Area Library on Thursdays at 10 a.m.

All of the summer reading programs are made possible by the Sandhill Regional Library System and by the Friends of Moore County Library.

For more information on the summer reading schedule, visit www.srls.info or call (910) 947-5335.