The Weyburn Public Library's summer reading program is gearing up for another popular season. Last year saw a 30 per cent increase in the number of children participating.

Children as young as three, whose parents read to them, and as old as 12 years, can participate after they pick up a library card, reading log and bookmark at the front desk of the library. For every 10 books read, the participant will receive a gift certificate for a free ice cream treat, courtesy of the Dairy Queen.

"We had a wonderful response from children last summer and we want to top it this year," said librarian Michele Fedyk on Wednesday. About 346 children were registered in the program last summer.

"There's something for everyone, she said. "Even if you can't read, you can have a book read to you and record the books, she said. The library has a busy summer planned, she said.

The theme of this year's activity is Racing to Adventure, which covers transportation and a variety of cultural aspects, she said. Registration night is Thursday, June 24.

The library has hired a summer student again this year who will travel to local schools to inform them about the reading program. Every week during the summer, the library will sponsor a special craft or game time for children.

On Sunday, July 11, the first one, called Bugs, Bugs, Bugs, will start things off. Children five years and older will be shown how to use every day household items to create a bug catcher.

In addition to a visit from B.C. poet Glen Sorestad on Aug. 11 during the Summer Games, the library will start a new program to help parents build relationships with their children.

Building Better Bonds with Baby, for parents of children from six months to three years, old will be a fun, interactive playtime to enhance self-esteem, sensory development and communication, she said

Stephanie Mlynarski and Bev Brewer are the facilitators. The sessions will be held on July 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 10:30-11 a.m.

A drop in family story time will also be held from Fridays, from July 9 to Aug. 20 from 10:30-11 a.m. for children aged 3-5 years and their families.

In conjunction with Sun Country Health Authority and the Saskatchewan Teachers Association, the library will provide a kit containing a library card application and books to every newborn in Weyburn.

Nurses who visit new mothers will deliver the gift bags, said Fedyk.

The Southeast Regional College spearheaded the program with a $500 donation and the library is looking for other donations to help the program continue.

"The community hasn't had this program for a year and so we kind of reinvented it," said Fedyk. "It's another way to provide new babies with a good start on the love of reading."

It's also an indication the library is partnering with community organizations to help build a strong community, she said. "We're very proud of that. That's part of our role as a library."