FRANKLIN—If you aren’t using your mind, you’re losing it.

This is particularly important for students and how they chose to spend their summer months.

“Research has shown that kids who read during the summer test higher, or at least don’t lose ground, over kids who don’t read,” said Blackwater Regional Library Director Yvonne Hilliard-Bradley, adding that over time a student can fall a full grade level behind just by not reading over the summer.

“One of the primary reasons for a summer reading program is to keep kids engaged and reading during the long summer while they are out of school. A regular literacy program keeps those neurons popping.”

Hilliard-Bradley said that as an animal lover she’s particularly excited about a few items on the schedule.

“I always love J.B. Rattles, with his snakes and other critters, and I’m excited about the hatching chicks at Claremont,” she said. “There are a couple of programs about bats — such a wonderful, misunderstood creature, and I’m really glad we get to show kids and their parents how cool they really are.

“Bear Path Acres and the Virginia Living Museum always have amazing, fun programs and fascinating animals to learn about.”

This time of year is always one that Hilliard-Bradley looks forward to, as she enjoys putting on the summer reading program for the community.

“I can’t think of anything better or more worthwhile than offering quality programs and services to kids,” she said. “Kids have so many obstacles to success in their lives, most through no fault of their own, and having the opportunity to actually help improve their lives is wonderful. And literacy is the most critical key to success.”

The programs are designed to be fun, but that’s not all it is about.

“We are very connected to our schools, and our programs and classes reflect that,” she said. “They offer learning, and skills and knowledge.”

Not that it can’t be fun.

“The library provides a safe, comfortable environment for kids to meet up with other kids, enjoy similar interests, have fun,” Hilliard-Bradley said. “Summer is a great time for families to spend time together, and reading together is a fun way to do that and help your children move toward success through increased literacy.

“We want to help parents learn how to choose books for their little ones, and we want to help kids of all ages figure out how to find books they want to read.”

Craft Week at the Ruth Camp Campbell Memorial Library in Franklin will be June 30-July 5. Visit the library for crafts to complete at home. Kids get dog bookmarks; teens get monster bookmarks.

In Courtland, the Rawls Library will have craft week starting on July 1 and ending July 5. Windsor’s library will similarly start craft week on July 1. In Wakefield, July 3 is the day to pick up your take-home crafts.

Sheila Arnold will be in Franklin on Tuesday, July 8, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. She will tell stories about animals.

Franklin will have its Family Program—Carnival Day, on Saturday, July 12, at 10 to 11 a.m. Come play carnival games, enjoy sno-cones and popcorn, and hang out with Coach Da Clown!

C. Shells will visit Franklin on Tuesday, July 15, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. It is a sing-along and dance.

Chris Yerlig, a mime and illusionist, will visit Franklin on Tuesday, July 22, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

J.B.’s Rattles will visit Franklin on Tuesday, July 29, at 9:30 a.m. for groups, and at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for families. Learn all about reptiles and pet some as well. Each program runs about an hour. J.B. will be at Windsor High School on Tuesday, July 15 at 11 a.m. The show will be in Courtland on Wednesday, July 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For Franklin teens the Book Face Contest runs June 23-July 26. Have someone take your photo with the book in place. Librarians can also take the photo for you. Bring the photo to the library or email to khedgepeth@blackwaterlib.org. Include your name, age, telephone and email. Photos will be posted in the library for viewing.

The Courtland (rwyche@blackwaterlib.org), Wakefield (llatham@blackwaterlib.org) and Windsor (blauver@blackwaterlib.org) branches will all be participating in this contest as well.

The Shredded Book Contest, runs through July 26 at the Franklin library. “We did the unthinkable — we shredded a book!”

Stop by the library to guess which book we shredded. Enter the contest every time you visit the library.

Courtland will feature storyteller Patti Watkinson on Wednesday, July 16 at 10 a.m. Paws to Read will be featured on Wednesday, July 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is required for that event, so call in advance to schedule a time to read to the library’s furry friend. On Wednesday, July 30, Mad Science of Hampton Roads will take over the Rawls Library at 10 a.m.

The Wakefield Library will feature Magic by Susan on Thursday, July 10 at 10:30 a.m. On Thursday, July 17, the library will have Bingo for Books at 10:30 a.m. On July 24, Food Webs with Chippokes will be featured at 10:30 a.m. The branch will conclude with an ice cream social on Thursday, July 31 at 10:30 a.m.

In Windsor, on Tuesday, July 8, Mad Science of Hampton Roads will present Fire and Ice at Windsor High School at 11 a.m. The Bat World of Hamtpon Roads will present Stellaluna at Windsor High school on Tuesday, July 22 at 11 a.m. Magician Steve Kissell will be at Windsor High School at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29.