Magness summer reading programs start tomorrow

The summer reading programs at Magness Library are not only for children. As a matter of fact, Magness has two programs for adults this summer. Both will start this Monday. “A Historic Summer” will continue through July 19, and “A Mysterious Summer” through July 29.

The first of these, “A Historic Summer” will focus on history and will include both non-fiction and fiction books. Patrons who register for the program may read books of their choice pertaining to World, American, Southern and Tennessee History (both fiction and non-fiction) from any era, during the seven-week period.

Reading logs will be available at the circulation desk on the main floor, beginning June 16. With no preset number of books to read, patrons may proceed at their leisure. Those who read the most books, however, will win prizes! Prizes will be awarded to the top three readers. These will include tickets to some of Tennessee’s historic attractions, certificates for meals at historic restaurants, along with other prizes.

Visiting authors will be an important part of “A Historic Summer.” Several authors are scheduled for readings and book signings during the program.

Amelia Townsend, author of “Keepsakes for the Heart” will be the first of three authors in the “Historic Summer” series. She will be at Magness Library, June 23, at 6:30 p.m.

Joe Guy, author of “Indian Summer: The Seige and Fall of Fort Loudon,” will be at the library, July 8, at 6:30 p.m.

And finally, Billy Moore, author of “Cracker’s Mule,” will be at the Collection Caf?, July 19, at 11:30 a.m.

The Magness Library/Silver Dagger Mysteries partnership will once again present the “A Mysterious Summer” reading program. This year’s program will also be the kickoff for the Library’s “Who Done It?” Club. Four Silver Dagger authors are scheduled to make appearances during this summer’s program.

They are: Jeffrey Marks, author of “Ambush of My Name” and “A Good Soldier.” Mr. Marks is also the editor of “Magnolias and Mayhem,” a collection of Southern mystery stories. He will be at the library, July 11 at 6:30 p.m. Ellen Vidler, author of “A Haunting Refrain,” will be here, July 17 at 6:30 p.m. Patricia Sprinkle, author of “Murder in the Charleston Manner,” is scheduled for July 22, at 6:30 p.m., and Vonda Skelton, author of “Bitsy and Tybee Island,” will appear July 29, at 6:30 p.m.

Each author will read from his/her work, participate in a question and answer sessions with program participants and sign copies of their books.

Teenagers, young adults and senior adults are especially encouraged to participate.