BANGOR – The Children’s Department of the Bangor Public Library will offer the summer reading programs Folk Festival Fun and Library Lotto beginning June 24. The programs are designed to interest children and young adults in books and reading, and to satisfy curiosity. The programs are open to everyone.

Daily programs for Folk Festival Fun will give everyone a chance to get excited about this year’s National Folk Festival by offering tales, dance, art, crafts, customs, people and music celebrating our heritage from around the world. Participants will be able to dance the Spanish flamenco, sample Mexican food, hear about the Yup’ik people, enjoy an African tale read by Bangor’s mayor and make a paper bag pinata.

Library Lotto gives young people in grades six through twelve a chance to voice their opinions about everything the library has to offer from books and videos they’ve borrowed to programs they’ve attended. Bangor Mall gift certificates will be awarded to winners. Also, for the older crowd, the young adult board is host to a program with author Sis Deans, winner of the Lupine Honor Award.

Every one who registers for the program will receive a free ticket to a Sea Dogs game. Tuesdays are door prize days and prizes will be awarded at the finale program. Sign up sheets are available at the library.

Programs the first week are:

10 a.m. June 24 – Kick off with Perry Allen Theatre. Puppeteers Bonnie and Andrew Penale will start the summer rolling with Salmagundy, stories from folk literature.

10 a.m. June 25 – African Adventure. Emeline Reynolds, a sophomore at the Liberty School in Blue Hill, has visited Kenya three times. Using souvenirs, clothing, collectibles, photos and slides, she will give a magic carpet tour of the East African country.

9:15 a.m. June 26 – Mother Goose Story Time will offer twenty minutes of frolic, rhymes, songs and simple stories for children up to 24 months; 10 a.m. Toddler Story Time will celebrate world folk with an assortment of stories, crafts and traditions.

10 a.m. June 27 – Big Bead, Little Bead. Karna Olsson, a teacher retailer and artisan has been fascinated with beads her entire life. After sharing their history, uses, types and making, she will guide participants in a bead craft.

10 a.m. June 28 – International Folk Dance with Marie Wendt.

The Summer Reading Challenge also is being offered and encourages area schools to participate in Folk Festival Fun. The school with the highest percentage of participants will win a private party at the library.

There is an event every day of the week:

. 10 a.m. Mondays, Famous Folks Story Times; 5:45 p.m. alternate Monday evenings, Craft Story Time for children ages four and older.

. 10 a.m. Tuesdays, special guests take participants around the world with unique programs.

. 9:15 a.m. Wednesdays, story times for babies; 10 a.m. for two-year-olds and older.

. 10 a.m. Thursdays, interactive programs.

. 10 a.m. Fridays, Dance Days from around the world.

Those who don’t wish to attend the programs may participate just by reading. Calendars and program guides are available in the children’s room. For information call, 947-8336, Ext. 111.