ALTUS - With gas prices soaring and the cost of other entertainment increasing, check out what the Altus Public Library has to offer for free besides books. This week the library is offering programs for all ages-pre-school through high school and for the whole family. The library is also offering reading incentive programs, crafts and contests as part of our "Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales" summer reading program.

First up is the film for preschoolers through third grade. This week the film will be Stellaluna, on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. This is the story an adorable fruit bat, Stellaluna, and what happens when she is separated from her mother, and is adopted by a family birds. She soon realizes she just can't fit in. Her playmates like to sleep at night; she wants to fly. They whistle and sing; she doesn't even have a beak! But just when it seems like she'll always be an outsider, Stellaluna makes an amazing discovery. Be sure and come to the library to learn what Stellaluna's discovery is.

Also on Tuesday, June 13 Kiona Wooton-Millirons will be doing a program for Teens. The program begins at 2 p.m. and Kiona will be showing the teens how to work with mosaics. All supplies will be provided and the class size is limited to 25. This is Kiona's second visit to the library. She is a multi-talented artist from Oklahoma City. She has been involved with Oklahoma libraries and teens for the last few years.

Wednesday morning storytime for preschoolers begins at 10:30 a.m. with head librarian Donna Smith. Storytime is a continuing program throughout the year and is for ages 3 1/2 and older.

Finally, on Thursday is the "Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales" program with W.O.W. What is W.O.W.? It is the Oklahoma Aquarium's touring program, "Water on Wheels," and they are coming to the library with an array of interesting sea creatures! Water on Wheels is an informal learning experience enhanced by hands-on interaction with sea life. The staff at the library is not too sure what kind of creatures the aquarium will be bringing-so make plans for the whole family to be here on Thursday, June 15 at 2 p.m. to find out!

Don't forget to bring a photo of your pet to the library so we can put it with our "Pets on Parade." Judging will take place at the end of summer program.

Many local sponsors are making all of these wonderful programs available. Wal-Mart is a major supporter of the Teen program with a grant they provided to the library. Sonic restaurants support the summer program with the book bags they provide to all of the libraries in the state. Local sponsors include SBC Consulting, First National Bank, Lee Office Equipment LaHacienda, Bar S, JCMH and Home Health Products. Also, Altus Masonic Lodge and Express Pack and Ship. Whataburger and Applebee's provided the program with food coupons for the kids and Belles & Beaux provided the prizes for the contests.

For more information on all the library has to offer during the summer month's call the library at 477-2890.