It's mad science this summer at Mentor Library

Last year, Mentor Public Library had its biggest summer reading program ever. More than 2,000 kids, teens and adults signed up.

This year we want it to be even bigger.

We are running a trio of summer reading programs this year—one for children, teens and adults, respectively—and all three are focused on science. The children’s program is Fizz, Boom, Read; the teens’ is Spark a Reaction; and adults’ is Literary Elements.

People can start registering for summer reading on May 31 and there will be a special kickoff party for kids on Saturday, June 7, at the Read House, which is next door to the our Main Branch. COSI (the Center of Science and Industry) will bring its traveling exhibits to the party and show kids how much fun science can be.

By the way, our party is free, open to everyone and no registration is necessary.

But that's just the beginning. Mentor Library will host fun programs to get kids, teens and adults excited about science all through the summer.

We’re having Mad Science Mondays from June 16 to Aug. 4 at the Read House, which will be open to kids of all ages. The children will have the opportunity to perform hands-on experiments and make crafts using different themes every Monday.

Meanwhile, teens will have Weird Science Wednesdays throughout June that feature experiments with photography and weather. The series kicks off on June 11 when teens will test popular myths with their own version of Mythbusters.

Both teens and adults are welcome to our Monday University series, which will feature two exciting science-themed programs this summer: “Exploring Mars with NASA’s Geoffrey Landis” on June 2 and “Storm Chasers” on July 14 with Aaron Rigsby of the Ohio Storm Chasers.

Everyone who participates in the summer reading programs has a chance to win prizes—from gift cards at Toys ‘R’ Us to Lake County Captains tickets to Nook eReaders. The more someone reads, the better chance they have of winning.

For more information on Mentor Library’s summer reading program, call 440-255-8811 or visit your nearest branch.