Musician and singer Tom Sieling of New York spread music, smiles, and laughter throughout his performance of Bugs, Baboons, and Story Tunes last Monday at Russell County Public Library in Jamestown.

"It went great," said Russell County Children's Librarian Fill Cowell. "We were very happy with the program."

Downstairs in the Jamestown main branch of the library, it was standing room only with 74 attendees joining in the kick-off of the annual summer reading program.

"I thought he did a great job with the kids," said Glenda York, collection development/young adult services at Russell County Library. "I loved the program."

Children learned how to have compassion for others in a song about a child and an ant which stressed that everyone has value and deserves respect.

Sieling played guitar and banjo during his program singing familiar songs and some songs that were customized rhymes using local children's names.

Many times during the program, children and adults joined in singing and motions to happy, fun interactive songs.

"The thing I liked about (Tom's) program is that he got them up and out of their seats," York said. "He engaged the children and it was a very participatory activity."

The event is one of two warm up programs to begin the library's summer reading program.

Next week, at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nature Rocks! Family Nature Club featuring South Kentucky RECC's Reptile and Amphibian Program will visit Russell Springs' library branch to introduce live snakes, frogs and salamanders to children and adults.

The program highlights the amazing reptiles of Kentucky and those who attend receive posters of the reptiles of Kentucky courtesy of SK RECC.

Mrs. Fill said she is very excited about the summer reading program with the theme One World, Many Stories.

Attendees will learn about countries of the world from presenters who have visited places such as Belize, Panama, Mexico, England, and Scotland among others.

Lessons about language, stories, and crafts are a part of each program.

Fun, family activities abound with summer reading programs throughout July on Mondays at the main branch in Jamestown and Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Russell Springs branch.

"In summer we try to do all family events that are open to children and adults," Mrs. Fill said. For more information on events at Russell County libraries, call 270-343-3545, visit their website at www.russellcountylibrary.com, or 'like' them on Facebook.