MEXICO — Summer Reading for Kids will begin with a Kickoff Party from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, at the Mexico Public Library.

“Reading is a Hoot: Soar with Books!” is the theme for this year’s children’s summer reading program, which will run from June 18 until Aug. 14. The library will offer the program and reading incentives to readers ages 2 to 14.

Readers ages 2 to 5 will receive a prize for every two hours they spend reading or looking at books with an adult. Readers ages 6 to 10 will receive a prize for every three hours spent reading with an adult or by themselves. Readers ages 11 to 14 will receive a prize for every five hours spent reading.

Prizes include coupons for free ice cream, pizza and kids’ meals. A variety of non-food prizes will also be offered. A “Reading is a Hoot!” T-shirt will be given to each participant when they redeem their first two units of reading time.

To sign up for the program, children may attend the party or register at the circulation desk any time after June 6. All children who sign up will receive a free book bag with owl- theme-related items inside, an owl-themed reading list, parent letter and a schedule of summer events.

Ticket vouchers for a free ticket to a Portland Sea Dogs game will also be available to all summer reading participants.

The library will offer “Terrific Tuesdays” again this summer. Most weeks there will be a special program for kids. All programs are free and open to the public and most will be held at the Calvin Lyons Hall, next door to the library.

The following “Terrific Tuesdays” are scheduled:

June 19 at 10 a.m.: “Sparks Ark,” animal rescuer David Sparks with live animals.

June 26 at 10 a.m.: Jolly Juggling Show and How-to Workshop with Juggler Steve Corning.

July 3: “Startling Snakes” with Snake Man Rob White.

July 10: “Lovely Librarians” storytelling Brenda Sassi and Michelle Boucher-Ladd.

July 17 at 10 a.m.: Chewonki Foundation presents “Maine Owls” with live animals.

July 24 at 10 a.m.: “Earth Jams” with Matt Loosigian, interactive music program, www.earthjams.com.

July 31 at 10 a.m.: “Gizmos and Gadgets” with  Bitsy Ionta, interactive science program.

Aug. 7 at 10 a.m.: Superhero Party for boys ages 4 to 12. Everyone is encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero.

Friday, Aug. 10, at 1 p.m.: American Girl Tea Party for girls ages 5 to 12. All girls are invited to bring American Girl Dolls and/or come in period costume, if they wish. Activities will focus on American Girl Doll, Molly. Molly was a girl who lived in the 1940s during World War II.

Aug. 14th at 11 a.m.: “End-of-Summer Reading” Celebration with awards and prizes followed by a lunch.

For more information on the summer reading program, call the library at 364-3281, e-mail [email protected]., or leave a “comment” on the Facebook page.