LISBON FALLS – The Lisbon Library Department has announced the kick-off celebration of the summer reading program, “Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales,” with Antonio Roche’s mime and storytelling presentation of “Jungle Tales” at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 20, at the Lisbon Teen Center.

Roche will take participants through the jungles of Brazil and Africa, sharing animal tales with a background of sound effects. Roche is an internationally known storyteller who has studied with Tony Montanaro and Marcel Marceau, and transforms himself into the animals in the stories. Preregistration for the performance is necessary.

After the performance, those wishing will walk to the Lisbon Falls Community Library and get started on the “Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales” reading program by signing out books and earning prizes.

Each Tuesday throughout the program, a craft time will be held at 1:30 p.m. for school-age children in the children’s room, and a story and craft time will be held on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for 3- to 5-year-olds. During those times the children will be able to update their reading records and earn prizes.

Halfway through the reading program, at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 18, Sheila Curtis will perform circus acts as “Trickster Fox,” including juggling, riding a unicycle, performing magic and sculpting balloons at the Lisbon Teen Center. Preregistration is required.

The culminating activity of the summer reading program will be an ice cream social at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7. All participants are encouraged to attend. Certificates and T-shirts will be awarded to those who qualify.

For additional information about the program or to sign up for Roche and/or the Trickster Fox performance, contact the Lisbon Library Department at 353-6564.