Libraries have always had the power to inspire creativity and unlock the potential of individuals. Oklahoma's public libraries will embrace this role during the 41st Annual Statewide Summer Reading Program.

“This year's Summer program officially starts June 1 and revolves around personal and group creativity,” according to Adrienne Butler, youth services librarian with the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL).

Both 2009 Summer Reading themes will feature the arts. The children’s theme, Be Creative @ Your Library, and the teen theme, Express Yourself @ Your Library, encourage exploration of the visual arts, performing arts, games, creative activities, and much more to help participants maintain and grow their skills during school vacation.

“Summer Reading enriches the reading experience by encouraging children and teens to read and express their comprehension with others,” Butler said. “Combining interactive activities keeps reading fun, and reading during the Summer break is directly related to academic gains and achievements in the following school year.”

Altus Public Library will kick of their Summer Program on Thursday, May 28th from 2-3 pm with a Sand Art workshop for 1st through 5th graders. For the rest of the summer the library has many activities and programs planned for all age groups. Tuesday mornings at 10:30 will feature films for pre-schoolers through kindergarten. Wednesday mornings will be story time at 10:30. Thursday afternoons beginning at 2 pm the library will be hosting a wide range of hands on programs and performers. Kicking us off this year will be the Oklahoma Zoomobile with a program called “Creative Creations.” The program will be Thursday, June 4th beginning at 2 pm. This program is geared for elementary age children.

Teens will have the opportunity to participate with special programs and crafts aimed toward them. Art instructor Synott Matthew will have a three evening workshop “Cartoon Drawing for Teens.” There is a cost for this class of $20.00 and sign up is requested. This workshop is sponsored by the Shortgrass Institute and the Southern Prairie Library System.

We haven’t left adults out. On July 17th Gabriel Farago of country music fame will conduct a seminar on the secrets to success in country music. Gabriel is what county music and the American Dream are all about. If you want to find out how to break into the music business this is a seminar not to be missed.

For more information about the Be Creative at the Altus Public Library programs call the library at 477-2890 or stop by the front desk and pick up schedules of all the activities.

Statewide sponsors assisting with this year’s summer library program include the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, Sonic–America's Drive-In, The Oklahoman, and NewsOK.com. Funding is also provided through a grant by the Oklahoma Arts Council Local sponsors include United Grocery Stores, Belles & Beaux, Altus Printing, Altus Literary Club, Whataburger, Applebee’s, Jackson County Memorial Hospital and SBC Consulting Engineers.