RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA : Library Offering Children’s Programs

Children are expected to crowd the 7-month-old community library as its first summer program begins. Several activities have been planned for children through Aug. 5, including contests and performances by magicians, storytellers and jugglers.

If it all seems more suitable for a carnival than a library, county librarians say they are prepared for the inevitable noise.

“We have a quiet room,” branch manager Diane Alter said. “It can’t help but be noisy when you have 200 kids coming through for an event. Our patrons who are bothered by the noise have someplace to go for complete peace and quiet.”

The special events include:

* Pajama Times, a Tuesday evening series of entertainment that will start with a storyteller July 11 and continue with puppets July 18 and family fun and games July 25. The series concludes Aug. 1 with another storyteller.

“They kids come in wearing their jammies, carrying their blankets,” Alter said. “They can bring their stuffed animals with them. We encourage that.”

* A display of photos or drawings of youngsters’ favorite pets from July 10 through July 15.

* “Safari Sam Storytelling” for children 3 and older at 2 p.m. July 19.

* The Jahnathon the Juggler show at 2 p.m. Aug. 2.

An animal-themed reading program called PAWS for Reading will last throughout the summer. Children will receive critter-related prizes for reading the most books.

Information: (714) 459-6094.