Imagination runs wild at Orion library over summer

Imagine flying over the city on a magic carpet, being in a relationship with a kind-hearted vampire or single-handedly saving the universe from imminent disaster in a victorious light saber battle.
All of this is possible at Orion Township Public Library just by opening a book during their summer reading program.
The summer reading program started in the beginning of June and continues through August 31.
Children and adults alike are welcome to come into Orion library to sign up for the program.
Librarian Gene Williams said the theme of this year’s summer reading program is ‘Express Yourself.?
The library focuses on creativity not only in books, but also in music, art, poetry and improvisation.
The goal of the library, according to Williams, is to help the imaginations grow and to also keep kids reading in summer.
Children receive prizes for every five hours spent reading, and teenagers and adults are given a Bingo card to record books read. A row on the card, for example, says ‘read a biography,? ‘read a fiction book? or ‘watch a foreign film.?
After completing a row or column, instead of screaming out ‘BINGO!? participants can exchange their Bingo sheet and enter into a weekly drawing.
For teens, the grand prize is a $100 gift certificate to Great Lakes Crossing.
‘It encourages kids and adults, all ages, to read just for fun. It encourages them to read something they may not normally read,? Williams said.
Instead of being cooped up at home, the library presents many activities for all ages during the months of July and August.
Some of the events the library offers are arts and crafts, tie-dyeing parties for teenagers, poetry readings, dancing lessons for toddlers and a book exchange for adults.
For more information about the events and to become part of the 2009 summer reading program at Orion Township Public Library, visit www.orion.mi.lib.us or call 248-693-3000.