RUMFORD – The theme of Rumford Public Library’s summer reading program, “Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales,” encourages young readers to discover the animal world.

The program will run from Sunday, June 25, through Saturday, July 22, and is designed not only for children who are independent readers but also for children who have books read to them by parents and others. All children from preschool through age 14 are invited to participate.

Children are to read at least five days a week, for a length of time determined by the child’s age. Books read must be from the Children’s Room and should be appropriate to the child’s age and reading level.

Each week that a child meets the reading goal, the child will receive a sandwich coupon. Those who meet the reading goal all four weeks will receive a certificate good for an ice cream treat plus a half-day pass to an adventure center in Bethel.

As an added bonus, those meeting the goal in either of the first two weeks will qualify for a ticket voucher for the Sea Dogs baseball game on Sunday, Aug. 13. Again this year, Old Fort Western will admit summer reading program participants free when they present verification from their library. Visit the Web site at www.oldfortwestern.org to see the summer schedule.

Readers are also invited to attend the third annual summer reading celebration coordinated by the Central Maine Library District. The free event featuring special guests and activities will be held Sunday, Aug. 20, at the Boothbay Railway Village on Route 27 in Boothbay.

The second component of the library’s summer fest program, the four-week schedule of daily events, will begin Wednesday, July 5, and continue through Friday, July 28. The program is open to all area youngsters, free. It includes magic, crafts, science fun, a sing-a-long, Picnic in the Park story times, theatrical productions, a pet show and other animal-inspired activities. Over the four weeks, several special people from the community will share there talents and interests with the children.

Summer reading logs with details about the reading program and the summer fest calendar of events are available in the children’s room at the library.