The Kokomo-Howard County Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Program returns with a kick-off party on Friday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at KHCPL Main downtown, 220 N. Union St.

The party will include free food, crafts, activities and prizes throughout the day. Wrangler & Friends will also join the library from 1-4 p.m.

The program encourages people of all ages to read throughout the summer. Everyone who signs up for the program at the kick-off party will receive a free, age-appropriate book while supplies last. Each week, those who have kept up their reading streaks can return to the library to claim a prize.

Those who finish the program with at least four weeks of reading will earn a ticket to the library’s Splish-Splash Final Bash at Kokomo Beach on July 26. This after-hours party is open only to those who complete the Summer Reading Program, and it is made possible by generous sponsor Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union.

This year’s theme is Color Our World, and the library has a vibrant array of programs focused on art and color throughout the summer. Programs include a series of art therapy classes for teens and adults, weekly art activities for children, an outdoor art camp and much more.

The library will host authors and performers throughout the summer as well. Shannon Anderson will visit the library twice to talk about her books “Heroes Don’t Have to Fly” on June 9 and “I Love Blueberries!” on June 12. Hope Larson, an award-winning author, will host a virtual visit to teach kids how to draw on Wednesday, June 11.

Dan Gogh will visit both the Main and South locations on July 1 for a magic and art show. The Freetown Village Singers will visit the library on June 18 for a Juneteenth performance at KHCPL South open to all ages.

Then, on July 18, the library will host Kokochella, a music festival for children. The fun will kick off at KHCPL South at 10 a.m. with headliner Jim Gill, an award-winning musician and author. This upbeat, outdoor music festival is designed for children up to 11 years old. Later in the day, Nick Harless and Soul Shaker will perform for all ages from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

For a full list of summer programs, visit khcpl.org or pick up a printed library newsletter at any KHCPL location.