Get ready to laugh out loud this summer.

Local libraries are once again running the TD Summer Reading Series and the theme this year is Laugh Out Loud. Naturally, there’s an emphasis on funny books, fun activities and fun in general at libraries in Oshawa, Whitby and Clarington.

Brianne Wilkins-Bester, children’s librarian at Oshawa Public Libraries, said the idea behind the program is to get children reading over the summer.

"Children from three to 12 years of age are eligible to enrol in this free summer-long program which helps children stay mentally active during the summer by encouraging them to read at least one book a week,” she said.

“Each week, they can come to the library and they can tell us about a book they have read,” she said.

They’ll be asked some simple questions about the book and the characters. If a child attends six out of the eight weeks to give a verbal book report, he or she gets to attend the end-of-summer party, Ms. Wilkins-Bester said.

“They’re encouraged to read books with a humourous theme but they don’t have to. The goal is just to get them reading.”

Oshawa offers small prizes for completing each weekly report, she said.

The LOL theme will be continued into special programs at branches at Oshawa, Whitby and Clarington libraries. There are circus and clown activities, silly stories, songs and crafts, and funny films weekly at Whitby Public Library.

Clarington has planned activities such as campfire night and weekly wacky games and crafts at all branches. In Oshawa, look for improv sketch groups to entertain, plus kids will be trying their luck at being stand-up comics. There will also be weekly fun events, with stories, crafts, puppets and magicians on hand.

Whitby kicks off July 3 at 11 a.m. with comic juggler Craig Douglas at Celebration Square at the main branch. www.whitbylibrary.on.ca and go to What’s on/programs.

In Clarington, the program kicks off anywhere from July 2 to 8, depending on the branch. Go to www.clarington-library.on.ca and go to programs.

    In Oshawa, each branch has a different start date. The childrens’ services branch at the main library gets things going July 2 at 2:30 p.m. with Oshawa Mayor John Gray in attendance. Their site is at www.oshawalibrary.on.ca and go to summer programs. A list of suggested books will be online soon.