6 reading clubs for kids in Lake County.(Neighbor) - Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL)

Byline: Kristin Larson

Who said book clubs were only for adults? Young readers can take delight in book clubs, too. From mysteries to adventures, reading good books can open doors to places only the mind can travel. And what better way to pass the winter blues than with a good book and some hot cocoa?

Plus, many of the reading clubs listed below offer parents and kids a chance to join a club together - thereby doing something fun and meaningful at the same time. So grab your library card and head to your local library to sign up for a young people's reading club.

COOK MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY

This year's winter reading club theme is 'You, Me & the Poet-Tree.' In the club, participants can decorate trees with their favorite or original poem and read a variety of poetry books in the library's collection. Independent and early readers may pick up a reading log at the children's desk through March. The library is located at 413 N. Milwaukee Ave. in downtown Libertyville. Call (847) 362-2330.

WAUCONDA AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY

Wauconda Area Public Library's children department has started its family reading club called 'Share A Good Book With Someone You Love.' Adults and children should register together at the library.

Each family that completes its goal of reading 300 pages and turning in a reading log by Feb. 22 will receive a free paperback book and a gift certificate. Wauconda Area Public Library is located at 801 N. Main St. Call (847) 526-6225, ext. 212.

VERNON AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY

Vernon Area Public Library's youth winter reading club will continue through Feb. 19. Titled 'Follow the Reading Road,' the winter club is open to preschoolers through eighth-graders.

A highlight of being a reading club member is the winter club reading party Feb. 20. At the party, actor and clown Craig Sjogerman will present a storytelling program where youths can meet the tricksters, fools and clowns from coyote of Native American legends to Loki.

Registration to attend the party will begin Tuesday. The library is located at 300 Olde Half Day Road in Lincolnshire. Call (847) 634-3650.

WARREN-NEWPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY

This winter, a 'Pick-a-Patch and Read' reading program will be offered for children in third through eighth grades. Beginning today, kids can sign up at the library or in the bookmobile. Being a program member has its advantages, too. For example, reading books from a variety of categories can earn kids sewable patches for hats, jackets and backpacks. A total of 10 books must be read to earn a patch. Various reading categories include adventure, animals, fantasy, humor, mystery, sports and science fiction.

Names of those who finish will be entered into a drawing for prizes at the end of the program. The program is sponsored by staff in the youth services and outreach departments. Warren-Newport Library is located at 224 N. O'Plaine Road in Gurnee. Call (847) 244-5150.

GRAYSLAKE AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY

Families may register at Grayslake Area Public Library's Winter Reading program until Feb. 12. In the reading club, participants can set their own reading goals in order to earn prizes and become Library Super Sleuths. When all registered family members have met their goals, the family will be entered in a drawing for more prizes.

Grayslake Area Public Library is located at 100 Library Lane. Call (847) 223-5313.

FREMONT PUBLIC LIBRARY

The third-grade Mad Chatters club will meet at 4 p.m. Thursday at the Fremont Library to chat about 'Cricket in Times Square.' Book lovers in fourth grade and over will discuss 'Number the Starts' Feb. 18. Registration continues until the groups are full. Activities include crafts and snacks along with chatting about books. Fremont Public Library is located at 470 N. Lake St. Call (847) 566-8702.