Science projects, books keep kids interested this summer

WAKEFIELD - Monday kicked off the annual summer reading program at the Wakefield Public Library, featuring science projects, books and fun.

According to library director Denise Engel, the summer program has been going on for many years.

The goal is to encourage kids to read and find fun activities to incorporate into it.

"I think the kids look forward to this," Engel said. "It keeps them reading, which is important to help them avoid the 'summer slide.'"

This year's theme is "Fizz, Boom, Read," and features science projects throughout the summer. On Monday, attendees made a "bubble bottle", also known as the "library's version of a lava lamp."

Engel said each week will feature a new science project kids can do whenever the library is open.

"Every week we will have a drop-in activity for kids whenever the library is open," Engel said. "They will all be science projects, and we will end the program with our final party at the end of the summer."

There is no age limit to participate in the program, and it's not just limited to books.

"They can read books, magazines, online publications, anything, as long as they are reading," Engel said.

Any interested participants can stop in at the library to learn more.

"The activities are fun and we have great books, so stop in and sign up," Engel said.

For more information, or to sign up for the summer reading program, call the Wakefield Public Library at 906-229-5236, or visit the library, located at 401 Hancock St. in downtown Wakefield.