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The Kent Island Branch Library, 200 Library Circle in Stevensville, invites children ages 5 and under and their caregivers to storytimes on Thursdays in July at 10:30 a.m.

Storytimes include books, movement, rhymes, songs, and a craft. This summer’s programs are following the theme of the national Collaborative Summer Library Program, “Catch the Reading Bug.” On Thursday, July 3, young readers will go on a “Backyard Safari.” Subsequent themes are “Bug’s Life” (July 10), “Creepy, Crawly Critters” (July 17), “Flutter, Buzz, and Zoom” (July 24), and “The Good, The Bad, and the (B)ugly” (July 31).

“These programs are designed to introduce children to different bugs in a fun way,” said children’s librarian Julie Ranelli. “We never want to frighten the children, and no live bugs will be present—only cartoon bugs!”

In the first two weeks of the summer reading program, over 300 children have signed up to “Catch the Reading Bug.”

Families with children ages two and under are invited to join the Read-To-Me club, a game board with 15 literacy activities for child and caregiver to complete together.

Children ages 3-12 will receive a summer reading bag that includes a “Catch the Reading Bug” reading log, game board, bookmark, temporary bug tattoo, and complete calendar of the library’s summer activities.

“Storytimes are the perfect time to stop by the library with your reading log to earn each of the five bug stickers,” said Ranelli. “And you can write down the stories we read together to help you reach your reading goal!”

Storytimes are free of charge and require no registration. Independent summer reading clubs continue through August 8. Additional information is available by calling (410) 643-8161 or at the Queen Anne’s County Free Library website, www.quan.lib.md.us.

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