'Paws, Claws, Scales & Tails'

Libraries make summer reading fun for all youths

The Flathead County Library's 2006 Summer Reading Program begins June 13 at library branches in Kalispell, Columbia Falls and Whitefish.

The theme is "Paws, Claws, Scales & Tails." The program is designed to encourage young people to enjoy books all summer long. Children from infants through sixth grade may register at any library branch beginning June 12.

Prizes will be awarded throughout the summer for five hours spent reading or listening to a book. Everyone may earn two reading prizes, and winners may enter to win one of two grand prizes.

The first grand prize will be drawn on July 22 and the second grand prize will be drawn on Aug. 25. The program concludes on Aug. 25.

Here's the schedule:

JUNE

June 13 - Whitefish: 1 p.m., Read to Rover: Practice reading to a dog. Registration required. 862-6657.

June 14 - Kalispell: 10:30 a.m., Storytime (ages 3-6): My Pet. Columbia Falls: 10:30 a.m. Summer Reading Program Kickoff Party: Get registered and join in games, treats and more.

June 15 - Kalispell: 1 p.m., Exotic Pets: Learn about having lizards and exotic birds as pets. Whitefish: 1 p.m., "Sam the Dog Wants To Meet You!" Sonia Williams and her puppet, Sam the Dog, talk about kids and families.

June 17 - Columbia Falls: 2 p.m., Movie: "The Mouse and the Motorcycle," a reckless young mouse makes friends with a boy and discovers the joys of motorcycling.

June 20 - Whitefish: 1 p.m., Read to Rover: Practice reading to a dog. Registration required. 862-6657.

June 21 - Kalispell: 10:30 a.m., Storytime (ages 3-6): Small Fur Balls. Columbia Falls: 10:30 a.m., Fire in the Forest: Meet Smokey Bear and discover the ABC's of outdoor fire safety.

June 22 - Kalispell: 1 p.m., Movie: "The Mouse and the Motorcycle." Whitefish: 1 p.m., Tadpoles and Turtles and Snakes, Oh My! Biologist Amy Jacobs shares her knowledge of amphibians and whales.

June 27- Whitefish: 1 p.m., Read to Rover: Practice reading to a dog. Registration required. 862-6657.

June 28 - Kalispell: 10:30 a.m., Storytime (ages 3-6): Bears. Columbia Falls: 10:30 a.m., Carol Manley will introduce her Karelian bear dog and answer questions about how these trained dogs keep people and bears safe.

June 29 - Kalispell: 1 p.m., Who is the Impact Monster? Hear the tale of the careless impact monster. Whitefish: 1 p.m., Do Loons Change Their Tunes? Fish, Wildlife, and Parks ranger Gael Bissell talks about loons and shares a book as well as a trunk full of information on this mysterious bird.

JULY

July 5 - Kalispell: 10:30 a.m., Storytime (ages 3-6) Zoo Stories. Columbia Falls: 10:30 a.m., Bearded Dragons: Hear stories about reptiles and meet a real dragon from "Down Under."

July 6 - Kalispell: 1 p.m., Tutors with Tails: Practice reading to a dog. Registration required. Call 758-5822. Whitefish: 1 p.m., We'd Like to Teach the World to Sing: Voice and music teacher Leslie Myers sings and teaches songs about animals in Northwest Montana.

July 11- Whitefish: 1 p.m., Read to Rover: Practice reading to a dog. Registration required. 862-6657.

July 12 - Kalispell: 10:30 a.m., Storytime (ages 3-6): Imaginary Animals. Columbia Falls: 10:30 a.m., Small Mammals: People from Petco will feature ferrets and guinea pigs and discuss their care.

July 13 - Whitefish: 1 p.m., Whose Bones are These? Veterinarian Jim Thompson showcases animal skeletons as well as living, breathing examples of animal friends.

July 15 - Kalispell: 11 a.m., KM Building Theatre, "The Hobbit," a live play, performed by the Traveling Lantern Theatre Company. Tickets are required - call 758-5822. Columbia Falls: 5 p.m., Sculptural Collage Workshop: Come for an evening of exploring your creativity. Registration required, 892-5919.

July 18 - Whitefish: 1 p.m., Read to Rover: Practice reading to a dog. Registration required. 862-6657.

July 19 - Kalispell: 10:30 a.m., Storytime (ages 3-6): Creature Feature: Living in the Wild. Columbia Falls: 10:30 a.m., Ball Pythons: Herpetologist Dan Wolfe will bring in multiple color mutations of ball pythons.

July 20 - Kalispell: 1 p.m., Working with a Wildlife Rehabilitator: Wildlife Rescue volunteer Lynn Vaught will discuss what to do if you find an injured or orphaned raptor. Whitefish: 1 p.m., We All Live With Sally Snag: Amy Jacobs returns to talk about the animals that live in and use snags.

July 25 - Whitefish: 1 p.m., Read to Rover: Practice reading to a dog. Registration required. 862-6657.

July 26 - Kalispell: 10:30 a.m., Storytime (ages 3-6): Meow! Life as a Cat. Columbia Falls: 10:30 a.m., Meet a Veterinarian: Mark Lawson will read stories, talk about animal care, and answer your questions about pets.

July 27 - Kalispell: 1 p.m., Movie: "Runaway Ralph," More adventures with Ralph and his motorcycle. Whitefish: 1 p.m., Pardon Me, A Page-turning Parrot? A talented parrot, a cockatiel, and a hooded dragon help their friend, Maria Ahmed, read books about animals.

AUGUST

Aug. 1 - Whitefish: 1 p.m., Read to Rover: Practice reading to a dog. Registration required. 862-6657.

Aug. 2 - Kalispell: 10:30 a.m., Storytime (ages 3-6): Ruff! Life as a Dog. Columbia Falls: 10:30 a.m., Bats! Bats! Bats!: Come for an informative and fun session to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

Aug. 3 - Kalispell: 1 p.m., Choosing a Pet: The Humane Society of Northwest Montana will visit and discuss pet care and how to choose the best pet for you. Whitefish: 1 p.m., Create a Critter Day: Stumptown Art Studio conducts two art classes to create animal art. One session is for children 2-5 years; the other session is for those 5 and up. These sessions will be offered at the same time.

Aug. 8 - Whitefish: 1 p.m., Read to Rover: Practice reading to a dog. Registration required. 862-6657.

Aug. 9 - Kalispell: 10:30 a.m., Storytime (ages 3-6): Feathered Friends. Columbia Falls: 10:30 a.m., Large Birds: Susan Sindt will bring her owls, hawk and crow.

Aug. 10 - Kalispell: 1 p.m., Hummingbirds: Small and Spectacular: Learn about Montana's smallest bird. Whitefish: 1 p.m., This Will Be a Hoot! Wildlife Rescue volunteer Lynn Vaught leads a program on raptors and owls.

Aug. 15 - Whitefish: 1 p.m., Read to Rover: Practice reading to a dog. Registration required. 862-6657.

Aug. 16 - Kalispell: 10:30 a.m., Storytime (ages 3-6): Wild, Wild Wolves. Columbia Falls: 10:30 a.m., Hummingbirds: Small and Spectacular: Join the Flathead Audubon and learn about Montana's smallest bird.

Aug. 17 - Kalispell: 1 p.m., Wild, Wild Wolves: A ranger from Glacier National Park talks about wolves. Whitefish: 1 p.m., Hisssssssssss-Snakes! A red tail boa and royal python help everyone read "Verdi."

Aug. 19 - Columbia Falls: 2 p.m., Movie: "Runaway Ralph," More adventures with Ralph and his motorcycle.

Aug. 22 - Whitefish: 1 p.m., Read to Rover: Practice reading to a dog. Registration required. 862-6657.

Aug. 23 - Kalispell: 10:30 a.m., End of Summer Celebration. Columbia Falls: 10:30 a.m., End of Summer Celebration.

Aug. 24 - Whitefish: 1 p.m., End of Summer Celebration. Columbia Falls: 10:30 a.m., Fire in the Forest: Meet Smokey Bear and discover the ABC's of outdoor fire safety.