Summer officially started on June 21, but the summer reading program at the Tacoma Public Library kicked off the day before at the parking lot next to the library. The program combined a day full of family and community building, as well as spreading the good news of books to kids and teens.

Much research has been done recently to show that kids who read during the summer are better off in the fall than their non-reading peers, according to David Domkoski, community relations manager for the library.

“Teachers are beginning to understand how important it is for reading and reading comprehension skills to continue over the summer,” Domkoski said.

Scores of families and kids came together for the kickoff to the program and took advantage of the numerous games and activities that were lined up for them during the special event.

Games, face painting, balloon animals and figures, crafts, a bubble-blowing area, wall painting and other art projects took place throughout the day. A performance by One World Taiko, a Japanese drum ensemble, amped up the excitement during the event.

“There aren’t a lot of opportunities to see Taiko drumming. It’s exciting and appeals to kids, adults and teens. Everybody loves them,” Domkoski stated.

With the economy in its current uncertain state, many families are taking the “staycation” route - staying within their city or state limits for their vacations rather than flying and renting hotels, and racking up bills in the process. The library has noticed this trend and is offering aid to parents in need of inexpensive, yet fun, activities.

“We’ve doubled our programming this summer so families have no cost options,” Domkoski affirmed.

Members of the library can either visit their local branch or log on to the library’s website to get a rundown of all of the summer event offerings on tap for the warm months. Puppet shows, music, story times and crafts are just a sampling of activities being offered for the younger children’s program. The two programs are “Be Creative” at your library, which covers ages up to grade five, and “Express Yourself” at the library, which includes those in grades six and older. For the older crowd, gaming competitions, movies and concerts make up a good amount of the programs.

One new addition to the summer reading program this year is that families must register for events online, as the locations have limited space and some events are extremely popular.

At the heart of this program (and all the events surrounding it) is the message that kids benefit by reading early and often, and the library is an excellent resource for these essential learning tools.

“Kids can read graphic novels, anything, as long as they read or are read to,” Domkoski said.

For a complete rundown of events included in the summer reading program, call one of three library numbers, (253) 591-5640, (253) 591-5650 and (253) 591-5666, or visit www.tacomapubliclibrary.org.