By Town Crier Staff Report

Are your kids zoning out in front of the TV again, watching endless episodes of bizarre cartoons and mindless sitcoms?

Or worse: are they constantly bored - pleading for something to do as you swelter in the summer heat?

Your problems could be solved with four words: Los Altos Library Events.

The library events begin Thursday with an “Itty-Bitty Variety Show” presented by the Caterpillar Puppets.

This festivity will be followed by the “Hooray for Hamsters” crafts program on July 18 and then a live musical “Look in a Book.”

All events are scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.

The events are not just for young children.

There are lectures and book discussions for those that have moved on from the Caterpillar Puppets.

Today, a book discussion on The Human Comedy by William Saroyan, then a slide-lecture on “Art/Women/California: Parallels and Intersections, 1950-2000″ on July 17.

Both activities start at 7:30 p.m.

The month’s adult library events will be capped with local author Rod Norville speaking on his first novel, “Moonshine Express,” at 7:30 p.m.

The discussions commence with background information about the author and novel led by the discussion leader and then a forum is opened for all attendees to share their opinions about the story content.

Teens shouldn’t feel left out of the festivities. Teen movie nights occur 7:30-9 p.m., Friday, July 19 and Aug. 2.

Popcorn is served during the movies, which span all different genres.

“The movies selected are usually fun and interesting for the teen-age audience,” Los Altos librarian Susan Yit said. “Our audience has grown since our first showing in June to about 25 people.”

For more information, call the Children’s Reference Desk at 948-7683 ext. 3525 or Adult Reference Desk at ext. 3519.

- Cailean Cooke and Seth Freedland