Nothing's cuter than a cartoon graphic of a bug reading a book. Okay, this particular theme may not appeal to adults, but the kids among us will go buggy over this summer's Springfield-Greene County Library District reading clubs and programs, "Catch the Reading Bug" for kids and "Metamorphosis @ Your Library" for teens.

The free programs, weekly at each branch in June, July and early August, feature quality children's talent, said Nancee Dahms-Stinson, who coordinates the youth services department: "The funding we receive from the Friends of the Library has allowed the library to book performers who are trained and talented and able to present programs that are educational, entertaining and appropriate to their audiences."

Take the magicianess known as Teresa T. Her programs during mid-June, dubbed "Grubs, Slugs, Magical Bugs," combine magic and illusions and cute, creepy crawlies as she involves the audiences in her antics. Later in June, the "Year of the Frog" is celebrated with the Dickerson Park Zoo. July brings "Backyard Safari" and a program called "Growing Pains," which explores the world of metamorphosis and how all living things grow and change during their life cycles.

Ronald McDonald appears at the libraries this summer as does the KY3 news, weather and sports personalities who read their favorite stories. And, during July, there's a special program, "Play With An Author!" that features award-winning writer Judy Young who will share poems and historical facts about a variety of traditional games described in her book, "Lazy Days of Summer."

Dates, times and locations for all these programs are available online at thelibrary.org, or in "Bookends," the library magazine available now at any branch library.

The summer reading clubs begin June 2 and end August 4. Pick up a gameboard at any branch. By reading and completing insect-related activities, kids, age 1 through grade 5, can win books, coloring posters, a Fresh Start Fine Waiver Card, a "Buggy Bonus" and a Food 'n' Fun Flipcard of 30 free and discounted items and admission offers from area sponsors.

For the first time, the teen reading club for students in grades 6 through 12 is online. At library or home computers, the kids can log their reading hours, post reviews and win prizes. Register at thelibrary.org/teens.