All Library programs require registration for groups of more than five. Call the library where the program is being held. For more program information, visit ppld.org

Tarantulas and other Creepy Crawlies Get a jump start on bugs for the 2008  Summer Reading Program “Catch the Reading Bug”  with tarantulas, millipedes, giant cockroaches, spiders and a scorpion. Tues., May 13 at 6:30 p.m. – Old Colorado City Branch, Sat., May 17 at 1:30 p.m. – Cheyenne Mountain Branch, Sun., May 25 at 1:30 p.m. – Sand Creek Branch

Hit Songs with Steve Weeks Colorado Springs’ own Steve Weeks, winner of the 2007 USA Songwriting competition, leads us into summer with hits from his Alphabet CD series.

Join him for a rollicking time with such songs as Kiki Kangaroo and Someday which were no. 1 on radio XM Kids Top 13 under 13 list. Sun., May 11 at 2 p.m. – East Library, Sat., May 17 at 1:30 p.m. – Rockrimmon Branch, Sun., May 18 at 1:30 p.m. – Penrose Library

Learn about Plants! Start a plant from seed, learn how to transplant seedlings, and discover how our climate affects those plants. Presented by Colorado Master Gardeners Diana Picchietti and Barbara Brewer. Sat. May 17 at 10:30 a.m. – Palmer Lake Branch

Briargate Back in Time: Discover Archaeology Come visit with local archaeologists and historians from the Pikes Peak Chapter of the Colorado Archaeological Society.

They’ll share from their local research with examples and information about Lithics, Rock Art, Historic Archaeology, Ceramics, and field work. This hands-on program includes exhibits and an activity. Sat., May 17 at 10:30 a.m. – Briargate Branch

Science Matters: Nature and Human Nature What do you, an aardvark and a roller coaster have in common? Come and find out as Science Matters in Colorado demonstrates fascinating science experiments with solids, liquids and gases! Sat., May 17 at 1:30 p.m. – Ruth Holley Branch

Weekly Programs

Baby Time Read, rattle and rhyme! This program is for babies under one accompanied by an adult. Space is limited. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Mondays at 10:30 a.m. – East Library, Mondays at 10:30 a.m. – Penrose Library

Book Break A short read-aloud session that is particularly suitable for preschoolers. These are held on mornings when there is no regular Storytime or Toddler Time.

Mondays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. – East Library, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. – Penrose Library

Paws to Read Let your child practice reading and build fluency by reading to a Paws to Read dog. No registration required.

Mondays from 10 a.m. – noon – East Library, Tues., May 6 at 6:30 p.m. – Old Colorado City Branch, Tuesdays from 3:45 to 5 p.m. – Ruth Holley Branch, Wednesdays from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. – Briargate Branch, Cheyenne Mountain Branch, East Library, Wednesdays from 3 - 4:30 p.m. – Penrose Library, 

Thursdays from 11 a.m. – noon – Cheyenne Mountain Branch, Thursdays from 3 - 4 p.m. – Rockrimmon Branch, Saturdays from 11 a.m. – noon – Penrose Library

 Snuggle Up Storytime A special family storytime suggested for children older than 3 years old. Parents are encouraged to attend and participate, and children are encouraged to wear their favorite pajamas and bring a favorite cuddly toy. Wednesdays at 7 p.m. – East Library, Wed. May 14 at 7 p.m. – Briargate Branch

Storytime Stories and more for children age 3 and older. Check your branch, or the Children’s section for storytime themes. Check with your branch for possible changes, the first week of Summer Reading May 27-30. Tuesdays at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. – Briargate Branch,

Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. – Ruth Holley Branch, Tues., May 20 and 27 at  6:30 p.m. – Old Colorado City Branch, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. – East Library, Sand Creek Branch, Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. – Penrose Library, Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. – Cheyenne Mountain Branch, Old Colorado City Branch, Fridays at 10:30 a.m. - Rockrimmon Branch, Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. – East Library, Penrose Library

Toddler Time This program gives an introduction to the delights of rhyme, rhythm, and a few special stories as a first step to reading for 1- and 2-year-old children and caregivers. The program lasts approximately 20 minutes.

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30, 10, and 10:30 a.m. – East Library, Tuesdays at 9:30, 10, and 10:30 a.m. – Penrose Library, Wednesdays at 10 and 10:30 and 10:50 a.m. – Rockrimmon Branch, Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. – Cheyenne Mountain Branch, Old Colorado City Branch, Wednesdays at 10:05 and 10:45 a.m. – Ruth Holley Branch, Thursdays at 9:30, 10:15 and 11 a.m. – Briargate Branch, Fridays at 10:10 a.m. – Sand Creek Branch

Special Programs

Family Film Fun Enjoy a movie for the whole family. Kids are welcome to wear pajamas at the evening programs. Nancy Drew: Sat., May 17 at 1:30 p.m. – Sand Creek Branch

Study Buddies Trained volunteers will help students in kindergarten through fifth grade with homework or reading practice. Whether you’re working on math, spelling, social studies, science or reading, come study with a buddy. This is a free, drop-in program.

Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. – East Library, Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Cheyenne Mountain Branch

Briargate Tween/Teen Chess Club Bring a chess game, or use one of ours. Players are welcome to bring other board games to this program for students ages 7 to 17. No registration required. Fri., May 9 from 4 - 5 p.m. – Briargate Branch

Read it Before You See It Read Prince Caspian by C. S. Lewis and join us for a fun discussion, an activity, popcorn, and a chance to win free tickets to the movie! For students ages 7 to 12. Registration is required; call 260-6882. Fri., May 23 from 4 - 5 p.m. – Briargate Branch

Parent/Child Book Discussion Group Open to children in third through sixth grade with a parent. Enjoy crafts, activities, and games that complement the monthly book. Call the Rockrimmon Branch at 593-8000 for schedules and more information.

Kids Blog Contest

Check out the Kids Blog on the Kids Web at ppld.org. Kids ages 7 to 13 are invited to write on the Blog about a favorite book featuring outdoor adventures or fun.

One winner will be randomly picked to receive a $25 gift certificate from a bookstore. Winners will be notified and prizes awarded on May 31 at the Ramp for Reading hosted by the Children’s Literacy Center. Call 531-6333, x1403 for more information.