Monday, June 9 is kickoff day for the 2008 Austin Public Library Children’s Summer Reading Program.

The theme is “Catch the Reading Bug.”

The activities are planned for children from babies through junior high.

Beginning June 9, children and parents can visit the large meeting room at the library and register for the summer reading program fun.

The plan calls for children to read 20 minutes a day for 20 days this summer.

All participants will receive a free book when they register as well as other giveaways as well as cookie refreshments.

Musicians will provide special music throughout the day of registration from 11 am. to 5 p.m.

The summer reading program excitements continues Thursday, June 19, when the library will host famed children’s author and illustrator, Derek Anderson.

One of his books was given to each first-grader in Austin earlier this spring.

Anderson will be at the library June 19 in the large meeting room to greet parents and their children and sign books he has authored.

A reception in his honor will take place at 1 p.m. June 19 and at 2 p.m., Anderson will present a program.

More reception fun and book signings are scheduled 3 p.m. followed by another program at 4:30 p.m.

The twin programs and receptions are being scheduled to accommodate the anticipated large crowds of fans of Anderson.

The illustrator and author will demonstrate how he illustrates books with artwork and how he intersperses words from a story with his illustrations.

The public is invited.