RUMFORD – The first week of Rumford Public Library’s Summer Fest program has been busy, bringing together old friends and new.

During the second week, Louanne Thibodeau will return to the library today for the “Tumbling Fun” afternoon. She will be joined by a group of young gymnasts who will first demonstrate various skills, then assist attendees as they try them out themselves. Children are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing.

On Wednesday, July 13, Rob (“Mr. Snake Man”) and Kim White and their unusual pets will appear. Rob will speak about his ball python snakes.

Trickster Fox, the multi-character clown, will visit on Thursday, July 14. Her comic performances include juggling, unicycling, magic and balloon sculpture. Individuals from the audience are often invited to assist the Trickster.

Teachers Kim Fuller and Alicia Farmer have put their heads together to dream up ideas for the Picnic in the Park they will host on Friday, July 15. Bring a lunch and picnic blanket and be ready for “Fantastic Dreams.”

Area children and their friends are invited to the Summer Fest events, which are free. With the exception of the Friday noontime picnic in the park, all Summer Fest programs are at 3 p.m. and last approximately an hour. Parents are welcome at all the programs and are encouraged to attend with younger children.

A summer reading program, “Dragons, Dreams and Daring Deeds,” is offered as part of Summer Fest 2005 to encourage independent reading and to help children maintain or enhance their reading skills and vocabulary during the school vacation. The program is designed not only for children who are independent readers, but also for children who have books read to them by parents, grandparents, siblings and caregivers.

The reading program began June 26 and continues through July 23. Children interested can get further information about the program and the reading incentives by picking up a weekly reading log in the Children’s Room.