Just because kids are out of school for the summer doesn't mean they can't keep learning, and a reading program will allow them to do that, while having some fun at the same time.

On Monday, the Warren County Public Library's 2010 Summer Reading Program kicked off with kids at Parker-Bennett-Curry Elementary School getting a surprise visit from Bowling Green Hot Rods mascot Axle and a Wulfe Brothers concert, followed by the registration for the library's eight-week reading incentive program.

The kids also received prizes, free tickets to a Hot Rods baseball game, and children 13 and under got to register to win $1,000 in a reading sweepstakes.

All of this sounds like a great way to start off the summer and create some excitement for the reading program.

The kids certainly have a lot in store for them this summer and must be very excited about the speakers they will be able to hear and learn from.

The library has events planned almost every day throughout the summer. Special guests this year include Chris Rumble, "The Reading Guitar Man" and author of the "Uncle Stinky" series of books for young readers; Jason Lindsey, from the television segment "Hooked on Science"; and Madcap Puppets, a nationally recognized children's theater company.

Although the program is primarily about reading, kids still have the chance to win tickets, coupons and patches and can also win passes to a pool party as well as tickets to the Warren County Public Library Night on July 26 at Bowling Green Ballpark, when the Hot Rods take on the Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Kernels.

Not only is it important to have fun during this program, it is also very important that they take an active role in the program and get a lot out of the value of reading.