The DeWitt Community Library will encourage literacy and learning this summer with more than 30 activities and events for pre-readers, children and teens.

The library will once again participate in the NYS Summer Reading Program (SRP) which encourages school-age children and teens to read and prevent “the summer slide” that can occur between school years. This year’s theme for children in grades pre-k through fifth grade is, “On Your Mark, Get Set…Read,” focusing on sports and staying active.

Teens in grades six and up can explore their own interests through a series of activity-based projects that include literacy components in their own SRP, “Make Your Summer @ your Library.” The DCL will award prizes for the most badges earned as well as the most creative project. Teens may still participate in the traditional reading club as well.

“Little Movers”, a special DCL program for pre-readers (birth to 5 years old), helps parents and children build important early literacy skills.

The DeWitt Community Library launches its SRP with a kick-off party from 2 to 4 p.m. on Monday, June. Parents can learn about the DCL’s summer activities, and children can register for the summer reading program.

Thanks to a generous donation from the Friends of the DCL, the library will also host a series of educational events and activities that will entertain children and their families:

∙ Be a part of a juggling act with Nate the Great on July 1.

∙ Be transported to a magical storyland by Jeff the Magic Man on July 6.

∙ “Jump, Dance and Spin into Fairy Tales” with storyteller Robin Bady on July 7.

∙ Watch Dorothy defeat the Wicked Witch of the West in the latest Hampstead Stage Company production on Aug. 6.

Other sponsored entertainment includes: Dan the Snakeman (July 13), Nate & Kate Kids Show (July 18), Puppets with Pizzazz (July 26), Bubblemania (Aug. 4), the Spoon Man (Aug. 8) and a Balloon Fitness Workshop (Aug. 17). All programs are free and no registration is necessary.

Finally, the DCL staff will keep children and teens interested and engaged this summer with creative, hands-on programs such as: DCL Crafts at Jamesville Beach in the Sandpiper Shelter pavilion at 2 p.m. on July 11 and Aug. 8; STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) Storytimes with Nan Brown, June 24, July 22 and Aug. 26; and the Teen Digital Production Club series, June 25, July 23 and Aug. 27.

Summer Reading runs from June 27 through Aug.15. Stop by the library, call 446-3578, or visit dewlib.org for more details about these and other library events.