Special to The Hays Daily News

BUNKER HILL -- Smoky Hills Public Television will present programs in communities in its coverage area in July as part of its seventh annual Share-A-Story summer reading project.

The schedule for the July Share-A-Story programs includes:

* Russell -- 10 a.m. July 7 Tuesday, July 7, 10:00 a.m.;

* Hays -- 2 p.m. July 13 and 27.

The programs will be presented at the public library in each community, said Leona Breeden, SHPTV educational services director. Those interested in attending are encouraged to contact their local library for additional information.

Breeden will conduct the 45-minute program, which includes viewing a short clip from a PBS children's television program, reading a related book and doing a simple activity.

Each participating child will receive a copy of the book "Giraffes Can't Dance" by Giles Andreae with illustrations by Guy Parker-Rees, Breeden said.

"Smoky Hills Public Television is delighted to be able to once again take its Share-A-Story program out to the communities of our coverage area," Breeden said.

"Research shows that children who are read to 20 minutes each day are more successful in school," she said. "Reading aloud introduces the patterns of language and develops vocabulary."

"Share A Story has helped millions of children nationwide become better readers by inspiring adults to shower children with words, which will start them down the road to loving books and reading," Breeden added.

Smoky Hills began its Share-A-Story project in 2003 in conjunction with PBS Kids' national program to raise awareness of the important connection between reading aloud to children and development of early literacy skills.

Smoky Hills Public Television serves 70 counties in Kansas and one county in Nebraska. It is available on 120 cable systems and DirecTV and the Dish Network, which includes coverage in the Hutchinson and Wichita areas. More information on Smoky Hills Public Television and its programs and projects is available at www.shptv.org or by calling (800) 337-4788 or (785) 483-6990.