The grand finale of this summer’s reading program hosted by the George H. & Laura E. Brown Library is set for this Friday.

The event includes a fun-filled, educational magic show starring Steve Somers and will be held in the First United Methodist Church fellowship on Second St. in Washington, according to children’s librarian Terry Rollins. The event kicks off at 11 a.m.

“On Your Mark, Get Set … Read!” began in June with special events offered on a weekly basis. Included in this summer’s line-up were storytelling events, toy car and airplane races, a nature show spotlighting turtles, a discussion about Washington’s ties to the Underground Railroad and a craft day. Summer movies were also offered, including “Charlotte’s Web” and “The Princess and the Frog.”

“It’s been very busy,” Rollins said of the summer reading program. “We’ve had more kids register this year than any other year I’ve been here. We had very close to 300 kids register for ‘Reading for Prizes’ and other programs.”

While Friday does mark the end of the summer reading program, that doesn’t mean it’s the end of special children’s programs at Brown Library, Rollins was quick to point out.

Retired teacher Mary Pat Musselman will join Rollins for a “Back to School’ program planned for Aug. 5 at 11 a.m. And on Aug. 12 a joint project between Brown Library and BHM Library will be held for children between 5 and 12 years old. Details for that event are still being finalized.

“It’s going to be kind of a grand celebration of summer out on our lawn, with games and stories,” Rollins said. “Anyone interested may call either library for more information.”

Planning is also underway for a “Pirates and Princesses Tea Party” in September. That event will be held in conjunction with “Talk Like A Pirate Day.”

Brown Library will continue its weekly series of story time for children, from birth to 5 years old, every Tuesday beginning at 11 a.m. at the library.

Rollins stressed the importance of introducing children to books at an early age.

“Parents may do this by visiting the library with their children and starting them reading when they are very young, giving them an appreciation of stories and books,” Rollins said. “Once we instill that in children, it lasts a lifetime.”

The magic key to unlocking the world of reading is a simple library card, Rollins pointed out.

“A library card is free; you can’t beat it,” he said. “Everything we offer is free. Children can get their own library card with their parents when they are 5 years old and can sign their name.”

Brown Library is open Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 1-6 p.m. For more information, call 252-946-4300 or visit washington-nc.libguides.com. Details are also available on the library’s Facebook page.