"Pull on your parka, strap on your snowshoes, grab some books, and be a cool reader at the library this winter, " says Kristina Kauffman, librarian at Tenino Timberland Library and a coordinator of Timberland Regional Library’s fifth annual youth winter reading program, running from January 2 to February 28, 2003. Children and teens have opportunities for reading and creative activities based on this year’s program theme, Chill Out!

Young library users can begin by stopping at one of the libraries listed below and picking up books, magazines, books-on-tape, and a bookmark designed for the program. They may also fill out an ticket to enter a prize drawing.

On specially-designed sheets, participants may draw a picture or write a one-page story, poem, or essay on the topic, "If I were stranded on a polar ice cap..." They may also create an artwork at home, using their own art supplies or recyclable items. If they turn in their artwork or written piece, they may fill out another ticket for the prize drawing. Local libraries have more information about prizes.

Book and magazine lists for kids and teens can be found on Timberland’s youth web pages, www.timberland.lib.wa.us/kids.htm and www.timberland.lib.wa.us/teens.htm. Young readers everywhere in Timberland’s five counties are welcome to join in at any of the following libraries:

• Aberdeen, 533-2360
• Hoquiam, 532-1710
• Montesano, 249-4211
• Oakville, 273-5305

• Centralia, 736-0183
• Chehalis, 748-3301
• Randle, 497-2665
• Packwood, 494-5111
• Salkum, 985-2148

• Shelton, 426-1362

• Ilwaco, 642-3908
• Naselle, 484-3877
• Ocean Park, 665-4184
• Raymond, 942-2408

• Olympia, 352-0595
• Tenino, 264-2369
• Tumwater, 943-7790
• Yelm, 458-3374