Parents or caregivers are invited to sign up their children for the 2008 Hawai'i State Public Library System Children's Summer Reading Program.

Most libraries statewide will conduct this free, five-week program from June 9 to July 12. Contact your local library for starting dates.

Eligible participants are infants to children who will be in grade six this fall.

The program can encourage children to "catch the reading bug." Once the program begins, Visit your local public library, read at least one book per week and receive a free reading incentive, while supplies last.

In addition, five winners will be selected to win a $50 bookstore gift card. One winner will be chosen from East O'ahu, West O'ahu, the Big Island, Maui County and Kaua'i.

"Catch the Reading Bug" is this year's theme, and the program will highlight books and stories about insects, bugs and creepy crawly creatures.

This program is funded by a grant from the Friends of the Library of Hawai'i and the National Football League Charities. Other corporate sponsors for summer reading program incentives include McDonald's Restaurants of Hawai'i, the University of Hawai'i-Manoa Outreach College, First Insurance Company of Hawaii and Diamond Bakery. In addition, local Friends' chapters are contributing as sponsors to the program.

To register for the reading program, visit any public library. Throughout the summer, public libraries will also host special programs featuring an array of storytellers and performers.

For more information, visit www.librarieshawaii.org or call your local library.