BUENA PARK : Beasts Will Lure Young to Library

Educators in Buena Park are enlisting beasts of myth, legend and imagination this summer to encourage young people to do more reading.

The Buena Park Library District’s annual summer reading program, “Fabulous Beasts--Fabulous Books,” continues through Aug. 14 and offers children prizes for reading.

“During the summer, kids might watch TV or videos. This way, kids are more likely to read,” said Bonnie K. Steeber, children’s librarian for the district. “For good readers (the program) is icing on the cake; for kids who aren’t as likely to read, they are more encouraged to read because they can win prizes.”

As part of the program, children are encouraged to count the number of minutes they spend reading, rather than the number of books they read, Steeber said.

“Readers don’t have to worry about how long the book is, how many books they read or the grade level of the book,” she said.

So far, Steeber said, about 500 children have signed up for the program. By summer’s end, up to 1,000 children are expected to participate.

Steeber said the program is also open to younger children who don’t read yet. “It counts if somebody reads to them,” she said. “We’re trying to inspire them too, and let them know that reading is an important activity.”

The summer reading program, sponsored by the Friends of the Buena Park Library District, includes special Wednesday afternoon entertainment shows featuring magicians, mimes and jugglers. The shows also include educational and informational programs on wildlife, guide dogs for the blind and sea life.

Steeber said the shows are free, but tickets are required and are available two hours before the 1:30 p.m. performances. The library is at 7150 La Palma Ave.

The 45-minute shows are designed for children of all ages.

In the first performance of the series, magician Mike Wong dazzled children Wednesday with his magic and comedy.

Coming performances:

* Wednesday: Jahnathon of the California Juggling and Circus Arts Institute will teach children how to juggle.

* July 14: The “Wonders of Wildlife” show will feature “fabulous beasts” that live in Orange County.

* July 21: “Guide Dogs for the Blind,” in which children will get to meet these dogs and learn about their care and training.

* July 28: Judi Garratt will teach children the silent art of mime.

* Aug. 4: The Orange County Marine Institute will present a close-up look at ocean life.

All the summer reading activities are free. More information is available by calling the library at (714) 826-4100.