By JENNIFER BAILEY / Staff Writer

PELHAM – With the school year coming to a close and summer beginning, children may be trying to decide what to do with their summer breaks. The Pelham Public Library offers a summer reading program and several other events throughout the summer.

The Pelham Public Library begins its Children’s Summer Reading program on June 2 with a super hero costume party from 2-3:30 p.m. Children of all ages are welcome to attend the party dressed as their favorite super hero or favorite book or movie character.

Registration for the Summer Reading Program begins on Tuesday, May 26. Last year, about 800 children participated in the reading program. Mary Campbell, the children’s director of the library, said that the program “grows as the community grows.”

The children receive bingo sheets that have suggestions on them such as “read a funny book,” “come to the library” and “read a book with your parents.” When the child completes the bingo card, their name is entered to win the grand prize which is a bicycle donated by Bike Link. The children also receive small toys or prize boxes throughout the summer.

Campbell said the summer reading program helps to “stop the summer slide.” The children who participate in the summer reading program do not start the school year behind.

The Pelham Public Library also has a different event every weekday during the summer. Library staff are going to show movies on Mondays, craft time and PJ Story time is on Wednesday, and the Pelham Brick Brigade (where kids can get together and build things with LEGO blocks) meets on Friday.

There will also be special events on Tuesdays, starting with the Super Hero Kick-off Party.

For a complete list of these events, go to Pelhamlibrary.com.