DIXFIELD — An ice cream fair, a balloon show and a visit from The Snake Man are among the programs Ludden Library will offer during its summer reading program this month.

Librarian Peggy Malley, who has been running the summer reading program since 2003, said there will be a different program from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays.

“The programs coincide with our reading program, which the kids have already signed up for this summer,” Malley said. “The kids will have to read a certain number of minutes each day, and read at least five days a week, and they’ll come in and chart their progress at the library. We have a lot of good prizes donated by local businesses in the area, but the kids have to read to get them!”

The first program will be held July 2, where children will have the opportunity to make their own ice cream sundae and participate in games, including balloon darts and ring toss.

On July 9, retired science teacher Bitsy Ionta will visit to perform science experiments, and on July 16, children will have the chance to create a mason jar lantern.

Malley said Jim White, known as “The Snake Man” to residents in the River Valley, will bring his collection of snakes to the library July 23 and 30. The program will end with a balloon show by Maine-ly Balloons of Solon.

“We’ll be handing out reading certificates and prizes during the last program,” Malley said. “There will also be cake and punch available.”

For more information, call the library at 562-8838.

mdaigle@sunjournal.com