AUBURN – Area children are invited to join the Auburn Public Library’s 51st summer library program, “Laugh It Up.”

The program will kick off with a concert and dance on the green from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 16, on the library side lawn (High Street Congregational Church if weather is inclement). Greg Boardman and Timbrel, as well as young fiddlers, will be there to play folk, dance and fiddle tunes. Ice cream will be served to all. Everyone in the community is welcome to bring their dancing shoes and a blanket.

While there, kids may register for a summer of reading the books they choose for enjoyment and because summer reading keeps skills sharp and ready for the next school year.

Through the summer children will keep a log of authors and titles and receive small incentives as they progress to their self-chosen goals. Prizes include bookmarks, vouchers for a Sea Dogs game, a washable tattoo, a notepad and pencil, a pass to Old Fort Western and a pizza coupon. Kids may make the traditional program theme badge and at the end of summer may choose a gift book. The program is open to listeners as well as readers so any age child may participate.

Summer events planned by the Children’s Department include a family nature walk through Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary led by local naturalist, Joe Mailhot, Wednesday, June 25. Meet at the sanctuary gate at 10 a.m.; rain date, June 26. No registration is necessary. Children in strollers will be able to join this walk.

A series of summer story times for kids in kindergarten through third grade led by volunteer Amy Drinkwater will meet from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays in July in the kids’ department. Library staffers will lead the story session July 1.

Mother Goose will bring her basket of stories, folk tales and rhymes to the City Building Council Chambers from 1:30 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 9. After Dorothy Darling Gatchell’s performance, all are invite to the lawn for a library tea party of juice and cookies. Participants may wish to bring a picnic blanket.

Creative educator, Eleanor Pelletier, will demonstrate strange and mysterious number patterns and mathematical shapes in nature all around in a program called “I Can’t Believe It’s Really Math,” guaranteed to amaze and entertain kids in grades three through eight, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, in the City Building Council Chambers.

Local jugglers Luke Livingston and Matt Bourgeous will entertain all ages on the side lawn from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 23. All are welcome.

For kids in preschool through grade six the library staff will lead a workshop in full-length self-portraiture at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, on the side lawn. Rain date is July 31. The library will supply materials. Children must register for the workshop.

Summer events and the reading program are free; they are supported by donations from the community, including the Auburn/Lewiston Art and Literature Club and Friends of the Auburn Public Library.

When visiting the library ask about family passes to seven Maine parks and museums. The program is a gift to children and their families from the Auburn/Lewiston Kiwanis Club.

For more information about these and other library programs visit or call the library at 782-3191, extension 3, or visit www.auburn.lib.me.us/children.html.