NORWAY – The Norway Memorial Library summer reading program will go buggy for reading.

Children-infants through grade six are encouraged to develop and maintain their reading skills over the summer by participating in read-to-me and independent reading, setting goals and tracking their progress with reading logs and incentives provided by the library.

Parents may register their children at the program kick-off event from noon to 3 p.m. Monday, June 23, at the Guy E. Rowe Elementary School or anytime thereafter at the library.

From 2 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, June 24 through Aug. 14, children entering grades one through six may participate in a wide range of activities that explore different aspects of the theme, “Catch the Reading Bug.”

Preregistration is required for all programs, as space is limited.

Activities will be grouped into three clubs. The Book Worms Garden Club, on Thursdays from June 26 to July 17, will plant a butterfly garden next to the library. Children will learn about butterflies and what they eat, about composting and bugs that are beneficial to gardens, as well as creating garden-related crafts. Sessions will be led by volunteers from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension master gardeners program.

On Thursdays from July 24 to Aug. 14, children can join a Bug Safari. They will learn about a variety of insects and arachnids, make buggy crafts and explore the outdoors and catch some bug specimens. There is an off-site safari planned at the Norway Lake property of Karen and Doug McArdle. Special guests will include beekeeper Ed Gabrielsen and butterfly enthusiast Gail Everett.

On Tuesdays from June 24 to Aug. 12, independent readers (generally in grades two to six) are invited to attend “Books and Bugs.” Students will listen to books read aloud and share the books they are reading over the summer. There will also be bug-related games to play and crafts to make.

Story times for children ages 0 to 5 and their caregivers will continue throughout the summer. Preregistration is not required.

For more information on the summer reading program, call the Norway Memorial Library Children’s Department at 743-5308 or visit www.norway.lib.me.us.