A sunny day full of giant checkerboards, temporary tattoos and bubble machines kicked off Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library’s annual summer reading program on Tuesday, June 25. Each child got their photo taken for their official BHML book-themed passport. In addition to reading-time trackers and review pages, this year’s passport included several nature-themed challenges. For example: reading a book about an environmental activist, reading outside, or walking one of the region’s trails.

“Kids get really excited about completing all the things in the passport. It motivates them to keep reading and they love having challenges,” said Jen Betts, BHML children’s coordinator. This year’s turnout was estimated to be well over 100 children and their families, with many familiar faces. “I have a lot of local kids, but then I have kids that come and stay here in the summers, so it's fun to see those families come back year after year.”