AUBURN – Area children are invited to join the Auburn Public Library’s 57th summer reading program, “Be Creative @ Your Library.” The program will kick off from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, June 15, with a celebration party for children and their families, featuring the Swamp Donkeys.

Hailing from the Auburn and Poland Spring area, the Swampdonkeys incorporate styles of old time, bluegrass, Irish and modern rock into an eclectic set of high-energy folk music. From “Cotton Eyed Joe” to “Ape-man,” and even “Bob the Builder,” they appeal to a broad audience.

The group includes John Gunn, banjo; Michael Hayashida, guitar and viola; and Ted Tibbetts, mandolin and guitar.

The library invites children, families, everyone to bring a picnic blanket and dancing shoes to this celebration of homemade music and reading.

While there, or later in the kids’ room, children may register for the summer reading program, reading the books they choose for enjoyment and information, and for the additional benefit that their skills will stay sharp and ready for the next school year.

Participating children will keep a log of titles read and will be given small rewards as they progress to their self-determined goals. Prizes include a pass to Old Fort Western, a coupon for a Subway Kids’ Pack, a Sea Dogs ticket, our traditional theme badge, a coupon for a Gifford’s ice cream cone, and beginning July 27, a gift paperback book of each participant’s choice.

The program is designed for listeners as well as readers, and the librarians encourage children of any age to join.

Events in the kids’ room are planned all through July. They include Tuesday morning story programs for young children and their families; a messy art workshop for ages 3 to 6; a scrapbooking workshop for children in grades two through six; and a juggling workshop for ages 9 and older. Registration for the three Thursday workshops is required and opens Monday, June 15.

“The Shoemaker and the Elves” will be performed in the Milkweed Puppet Theater at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 16, with puppets handcrafted in the 1930s by wandering entertainers who performed for watermelons and jars of jam. The program is free and is best for children 4 years and older and their families. No registration is necessary and all are welcome.

The summer programs will conclude at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 30, with a demonstration by “yo-yo whiz” Brett Outchcunis. The program is free and best for children 8 years and older and their families. No registration is required and all are welcome.

Contact the library for additional details and to register. Call 333-6640, ext. 2004, or visit www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.