With the summer holiday just around the corner, are you ready for it?

This summer, the Hong Kong Public Libraries is presenting a thematic exhibition titled Children Growth and Development – The Bugs' Community between 22 July and 21 August at the Exhibition Gallery of the Hong Kong Central Library. The exhibition is part of the Summer Reading Month 2006, starting from 22 July, which brings to children and parents a host of interesting activities. This year, the annual programme still retains its objective of promoting reading among children, with a special focus on the development of good qualities and habits through reading meaningful stories and interesting genres.

Tips on a healthy mind and body at the Bugs' Community

What is the recipe for a perfect home, a life of virtue and good health? Come and visit the Bugs' Community where you can find the answers with our lovely mascots Busy Bee, Ladybug, Little Ant and Butterfly.

Visit the Busy Bees' Kindergarten and have a look at the picture books on virtues such as patience, confidence, respect, generosity and forgiveness. In the Ladybugs' Playground, you can learn about the importance and tips of healthy diets and exercises. At the Ants' Sweet Home you will have a grasp on how to get along with people, table manners and greetings. At the Butterflies' Studio, you can explore the meaning of colours, develop a sense and feeling for aesthetics and creativity through picture books and poetry.

Not to be missed are the variety shows at the Performance Stage where refreshing performances such as harp playing, children musicals, magic and puppet shows will be a cooling feast for the eyes and ears in this hot summer break!

Loads of interesting activities lining up

The Hong Kong Public Libraries has also come up with an array of interesting and enriching activities including film shows, workshops, storytelling sessions and competitions at the Hong Kong Central Library and other public libraries. Two talks on growth, reading and creativity by child development experts for teachers and parents are also on the list.

Don't miss this family-friendly extravaganza which is guaranteed to be inspiring and delightful! For details, please refer to the programme booklet distributed at the public libraries and the HKPL website at www.hkpl.gov.hk or call 2921 2646.