Have you enrolled your kids in a summer reading program yet? Well, it's that time of year.

We grew up in a very small town, but they ran a fantastic summer program - movies, disco night, a pet show, etc. all culminating in an end-of-summer bash where kids were rewarded with prizes for all the books they'd read. We still feel a twinge of jealousy over the year our best friend won the grand prize, a ride above town in a small airplane, and we went home with autographed headshots of "Hot Lips" Houlihan and Rodney Dangerfield.

Most libraries offer Summer Reading programs and this is about the time of year when they start - so stop by and find out. If your library doesn't or you live too far from one, consider starting your own program with your kids (and add in the neighbors). Have your kids keep track of all the books they read, form a kids' book club, plan activities related to their favorite books, and, of course, throw an end of summer party!