May 12, 2008

Immediate Release

Contact: Adrienne Butler, (405) 522-3323

Catch the Reading Bug and Metamorphosis 
Oklahoma’s 2008 Summer Reading Programs

 Kids and teens can discover what's buzzing at their library this summer by Catching the Reading 
Bug and participating in their local library’s summer reading program.

 “This year's Oklahoma Summer Reading Program officially starts June 1st and revolves around 
insects and creepy crawly creatures,” according to Adrienne Butler, youth services librarian with the 
Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL). 

 Catch the Reading Bug is the theme for children and Metamorphosis @ Your Library the theme 
for teens for the Statewide Summer Reading Program. While the theme changes from year to year, 
Butler said the mission is the same: "keep Oklahoma's children and youth reading and exploring during 
their summer vacation."

 ODL has been sponsoring a statewide summer reading program since1969. Every year, the 
summer library programs attract thousands of grade school children and each year more teens are 
becoming involved.

 “Summer reading programs make educational reading activities fun and appealing to young 
people. When reading what they enjoy, they learn to love reading and become better readers,” said 
Susan McVey, Director of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. “Statistics prove when children read 

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throughout the summer, they become better readers and better learners. I urge families to take 
advantage of the free reading program offered this summer at Oklahoma's public libraries.” 
McVey added.

 More than 90,000 children are expected to enroll and participate at public libraries across 
the state by reading books and attending special programs and activities. Each participant will 
receive a reading log, bookmark, book bag, and other free weekly reading incentives.

 “Nearly all Oklahoma public libraries will present a variety of free summer activities 
including storytimes, guest performances, storyteller events, craft activities, live demonstrations, 
and other special opportunities,” Butler said.

 Statewide sponsors assisting with this year’s summer library program include Sonic–
America's Drive-In, The Oklahoman, and NewsOK.com. 

 The Oklahoma Department of Libraries is part of a group of 44 states that make up 
the national Collaborative Summer Library Program (CLSP) for 2008. The 2008 Oklahoma 
Statewide Summer Reading Program is funded with Federal Library Services and Technology 
Act funds, awarded to the Oklahoma Department of Libraries by the Federal Institute of 
Museum and Library Services.

 

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(Catch the Reading Bug add 2)