The Polk County Public Library system has been awarded a Summertime Kids Grant from the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. The grant will help fund the Columbus and Saluda libraries Summer Reading Programs.

The purpose of the Summertime Kids Grant is to provide recreational and enrichment opportunities for children who may not have other special summer opportunities.

The mission of the Polk County Public Library is to provide all residents of Polk County with educational, informational, cultural and recreational resources.

It is the librarys goal that all children have the opportunity to develop a love of books and reading. All programs at the library are free.

The Polk County Public Library Summer Reading Program has enjoyed significant growth over the past 10 years. Last summer the program offered entertaining and educational programs to over 3000 children in Polk County.

An even larger goal of the libraries Summer Reading Program is to keep kids reading throughout the summer.&bsp; Studies have shown that children who continue to read daily and visit the library often throughout the summer months are better prepared for their next grade level in the fall.

Experts also note that reading skills grow with increased time spent reading and reading also improves writing skills.

The theme for the 2010 Summer Reading Program is Make a Splash and will include magic programs, reptile and amphibian programs from the state Museum of Natural History, pirate reenactments, puppet shows, history programs, string ensembles and water fun.

Registration for Summer Reading begins at both the Polk County Public Library in Columbus and the Saluda Community Library on June 1. Kids will receive a schedule of events, book bag, reading log and other surprises.

The first program, Make a Splash Summer Reading Show, will be held Tuesday, June 15 at 10:30 a.m. in Columbus and Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. in Saluda. Programs will run throughout June and July.