By BRAD GASKINS / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – More than 150 kids gathered June 2 for the Columbiana Library’s summer reading program kickoff event.

Puppeteer, comedian and book-lover Tommy Johns kept the kids – and a few parents – entertained for about 45 minutes in the first of 22 summer reading events.

The summer reading program, titled “One World Many Stories,” ends July 22 with free pizza and an end of summer reading party.

Throughout the summer, kids are encouraged to keep up with how many books they read. Kids receive a prize for every 10 books read.

During the summer, it’s not uncommon for kids to check out 10 to 20 books at a time, according to Shelia Gallups, who works at the library.

June summer reading events at the Columbiana Library include:

June 8, 1:30 p.m. – Movie Time: “Yogi Bear” (rated PG)

June 9, 2 p.m. – Magician Larry Moore

June 10, 1:30 p.m. – Crafts from around the world: Thai Hanging Owl

June 14, 9:30 a.m. – Stories with Ms. Jennie

June 15, 1:30 p.m. – Movie time: “Gulliver’s Travels (rated PG)

June 17, 1:30 p.m. – Crafts from around the world: Egyptian Paper Beads

June 21, 9:30 a.m. – Stories with Ms. Jennie

June 22, 1:30 p.m. – Movie time: “Disney’s Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure” (rated PG)

June 23, 1:30 p.m. – “Around the World with Drums & Music” with Mark Seymour

June 24, 1:30 p.m. – Crafts from around the world: Paper Uchiwa Fans

June 28, 9:30 a.m. – Stories with Ms. Jennie

June 29, 1:30 p.m. – Movie time: “The Chronicles of Narina – Voyage of the Dawn Treader” (rated PG)

Crafts activities are limited to the first 50 kids to arrive, due to limited supplies.