By Sara Ballenger

Don’t be alarmed if you see a hamster at the Los Altos Library this summer. The summer reading program for children ages 5 and up, “Discover a Hoppin’ Place,” began June 3 and continues until Aug. 8.

“The theme this year is based on a book of hamsters who live on a street called Hoppin’ Place and do fun things with books,” said Alanna Jones, Los Altos children’s librarian.

The library also has a summer reading program for toddlers and preschoolers ages 18 months to 3 years called “Read to me Bees,” and a young adult summer reading program.

“From an educational standpoint, the program keeps children up to date in their reading and they are able to come back to the new school year up to date,” Jones said. “It’s a great way to spend some time with the family and share a book together. It’s easier during summer without all of the homework.”

Children and young adults can sign up for the reading program during library hours throughout the summer. Participants will keep track of how many books they read throughout the program and will be given a free paperback book after completing the program.

“We will also have a cutout of the character Herbie the Hamster hiding throughout the library, which will move every week,” Jones said. “Every kid who finds him will get a prize every week too.” Participants will also get a prize after reading their first five books, she added.

A centerpiece of the reading program will be the hands-on activities and performances. Jones expects about 1,000 participants over the summer.

“We will have people here to help kids find books that are age-appropriate or fun to read and book lists to help kids choose books at their interest level,” Jones said.

The following performances and activities for the summer reading program for children ages 5 and up are scheduled at 3 p.m., in the Los Altos Library Program Room:

Wildlife Associates will present “Predators and Their Prey,” June 20.

Mad Science will present “Fire and Ice,” June 27.

The Caterpillar Puppets will present a puppet show called “Itty Bitty Variety Show,” July 11.

The children’s department of the library will provide a craft program called “Hooray for Hamsters,” where they will build hamster habitats, July 18.

Gary LaPow will perform “Look in a Book,” July 25.

“Musical Performances with Colibri,” Aug. 1.

The Los Altos Library is located at 13 S. San Antonio Road.

For more information, call 948-7683.