Storybooks, prizes, musical entertainment, games, magicians and animals — what better way for kids to spend their summer days?

Approximately 650 people seem to feel that way, with their participation in the Austin Public Library’s summer reading challenge “Be Creative At Your Library.”

The program has reached a record high number of participants, up from 350 last summer. And that number will continue to increase, as people of all ages can still register.

Assistant librarian Anita Brugge is enthused by the large turnout, and believes the array of free activities draw in many people.

“The economy has quite a bit to do with it,” she said.

She suggests that more mothers may be staying close to home, leaving extra time to spend with children.

Every Wednesday at 1:30 p.m., the library holds a different educational event featuring a certain theme such as reptiles or photography. Naturalist Al Batt will present the next program, “Wild about Birds,” on Wednesday.

Participants also receive prizes such as books and coupons for completing the “summer reading challenge.”

“They need to read for 20 minutes a day for seven days in a row, then they get a prize after day 21,” Brugge explained.

The library is experiencing increased activity in other areas, as well. More and more people are signing up for library cards and using the library’s materials.

“This has been the highest June ever for checkout of materials,” Brugge stated. “I’m really pleased with how everything is going — it is fabulous.”

For more information, stop by the Austin Public Library at 323 Fourth Avenue NE or call (507) 433-2391.

Sponsors for the program include: Friends of the Austin Public Library, the Mower County Fair, Culver’s Restaurant, Casey’s, A&W, Arby’s, Dairy Queen and the Matchbox Children’s Theatre.