Crosby Memorial Library is holding a summer reading program on Tuesdays and Fridays for the next six weeks. The program also includes Fun at Poplarville Public Library on Thursdays at 4:00 p.m.

One of the instructors of the summer reading program, Missy Ellis, described the need for kids to continue reading throughout the summer so they do not lose the skill.

“This program is all about the kids. It is designed to encourage kids to read over the summer in their leisure time. Our job as the library is to help these kids find what they enjoy reading and also show them that there can be joy found in learning and reading,” said Ellis.

Ellis said the program lasts an hour each day throughout the duration of the program.

“We have been doing this summer program for a long time now, but it’s just my third year. I still get nervous sometimes but usually that all goes out the window when I see the smiling faces of all the kids that came to learn and have fun,” said Ellis.

She said at least 70 children participate in the program each day during the six weeks.

“We want the children to not only learn from the program but also to enjoy themselves while they learn. Kids just like to have fun and if we can expose them to something they enjoy about reading, whether it is a certain genre or whatnot, we will all be very satisfied. My goal is to spark that interest of reading for them, allowing their imaginations to set loose,” said Ellis.

The program starts at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and is for elementary school kids in the first to sixth grade. On Fridays, the library hosts Story Hour with Ellis at 10:00 a.m. for preschool children between the ages of three through six.

Those that have not signed up can do so throughout the next six weeks by going to the library or through the library’s website.