COURTESY SHERRYNORFOLK.COM Sherry and Bobby Norfolk will bring their storytelling programs to Hawaii's public libraries this summer.

Libraries set stage for summer

Five-week Summer Reading Programs will run through July at Hawaii's public libraries, offering prizes for students who visit the library weekly and read at least one book per week.

To sign up for the free programs, visit any public library.

"Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales@Your Library," for children entering preschool to grade 6, highlights books and stories about all kinds of animals.

"Creature Feature@Your Library," for students entering grades 7 to 12, highlights books about creatures of the real and fantasy worlds. Teens may also enter a statewide sweepstakes for a $1,000, $500 or $250 shopping spree at Pearlridge Center, or a drawing for award certificates from Pizza Hut (10 per library branch). Enter by July 15.

Special guests for the summer program will be storytellers Bobby and Sherry Norfolk. The husband-and-wife team will perform separate 45-minute shows at 20 libraries statewide.

Bobby Norfolk is a former stand-up comedian who opened shows for Roberta Flack, Peabo Bryson, B.B. King and Lou Rawls. His CBS television show "Gator Tales" has won three Emmy Awards.

Sherry Norfolk, a former librarian and college professor, uses storytelling to urge children to read.

Their 45-minute programs are recommended for all ages.

Individual libraries will offer other special events in connection with their reading programs.

For a statewide schedule, visit the Web site www.librarieshawaii.org or call your local library.