No more pencils, no more books … School’s out for the summer, and chances are local parents are on the look out for ways to keep their students busy the next few months.

They don’t have to look far.

Two seasonal Austin activities kick off this week, the kids’ reading program at the Austin Public Library and the opening of the Austin Municipal Pool.

The 2009 summer reading program is jam packed with events that include topics such as “Creative Photography,” “Mystifying Magic,” “Wild About Birds” and “Creative Puppets.”

The library is also hosting a 21-day reading challenge that encourages youth to read, then rewards them with prizes, a ribbon and coupons for the Mower County Fair.

The summer reading program has seen between 350 to 400 people each year with 75 to 100 people attending each event. The program began Monday.

On Saturday, the Austin Municipal Pool opens for the season. Open swim takes place daily from 1 to 6:45 p.m. Cost is $3 per day or $25 for the summer.

We are fortunate to have these two activities at our fingertips, and we hope our residents come out and enjoy them.