WILTON – Participants in the summer reading program at the Wilton Free Public Library will explore the world by learning about different cultures.

From June 22 to Aug. 3, readers will listen to stories, to people’s experiences of different cultures and participate in art, music, writing, language activities and performances.

Community members may also donate children’s books at the library to help establish a library in Collibistre, Dominica, a Caribbean island.

Registration is under way at the library, and all ages are invited to participate. Participants will be given a “passport” containing “special assignments” through which points can be earned and turned in for incentive prizes.

The program will open with a performance of “Drums Heard Round the World” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, with “The Rhythm Inlet” from Mt. Vernon in the Cushing School gym. All Wilton residents are invited to participate as Jeff Hanna and Barbara Gail share their knowledge and skills of international rhythmic music with 50 percussion instruments.

Other events scheduled are:

11 a.m. Tuesdays: Bring a lunch to the library and listen to a community leader read a multicultural picture book. A restaurant owner, police chief, postmaster, library director, town manager and state representative will read this year. The library will provide beverages and treats.

6 p.m. selected Wednesdays: Children ages 11 to 18 can listen to a folktale passed down from another culture while having a multicultural snack. After a brief discussion of the folktale, there will be a related activity, including clay sculpting, “landmark bingo,” Chinese languages and calligraphy.

6 p.m. July 20: Open to all participants who will represent a country in Olympic games.

6 p.m. Thursdays: multicultural story time followed by a related activity, including the creation of the Great Barrier Reef and rain sticks. There will be presentations and activities on Honduras and Pakistan as well.

2 p.m. Fridays: Various activities, including creating Japanese Sumi-e ink painting, African masks and playing book bingo. Music Together’s Sarah Condit-Dean will present “Children’s Games and Play Songs from Around the World.” Wayne Roberts will share his adventures in the South Pole.

The program will culminate Aug. 3 with an international fair, including a multicultural potluck and Adam Miller, folk singer, presenting a multicultural “Singing Through History” program.

For more details on the summer reading program, pick up a calendar at the library or contact Sandy at the library at 645-4831.