DIXFIELD — River Valley children will be treated to science and engineering experiments, a variety of animals and a live puppet show from Vermont during the Ludden Memorial Library’s 2016 Summer Reading Program, Library Director Peggy Malley said.

The summer reading program, entitled “On Your Mark, Get Set, Read!” will feature many of the popular events that have been held during previous years. Each session runs from 2 to 3 p.m.

However, Malley said, the 2016 program will kick off with a new event: a live performance by The PuppeTree, a nonprofit puppet theater company from Vermont that, according to its website, “tells stories through the art of shadow puppetry, marionettes and rod puppets.”

On July 5, The PuppeTree will perform a production of “Swimmy,” a children’s book by Leo Lionni.

On July 12, retired science teacher Ted “Bitsy” Ionta, more commonly known to area children as “Mr. I the Science Guy,” will teach children about “the science of flying.” Following Ionta’s presentation, the children will have a chance to make their own paper planes with Lucas Malley of Bethel.

Maine Game Warden Josh Smith will visit on July 19, when he will speak about what it’s like for him to work in the Maine woods. After Smith’s talk, the children will make their own trail mix, Malley said.

On July 26, Joshua Sparks, who operates a wildlife rehabilitation reserve with his father, David, in New Gloucester, will bring a variety of animals to the library.

Malley said that any child who wishes to participate should sign up at the library by June 27.

mdaigle@sunmediagroup.net

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