Seldom has a simple coffee mug been so coveted.

As summer vacation from school begins in Natrona County and moms fight the "I'm bored" summer blues, the Natrona County Public Library offers not one, not two, but three incentive reading programs, all beginning Tuesday, and this time Mom is included.

For the first time, the library has included a separate event for readers 18 and over in the summer incentives program. When adults finish reading their Dan Brown or Patricia Cornwell or James Patterson novel - or that yawn-inducing strategic plan for work - they can turn in their reading logs and receive a "Go Wild - Read!" coffee mug.

"We actually had questions from adults who really like the idea of having an incentive program when the kids do," said Hilery Walker, community relations coordinator for the library.

Adults completing the log also will be entered in a drawing for one of three gift certificates to local bookstores.

Busy adults can get their reading log online at {M3www.natronacountylibrary.org. "Reading" doesn't just mean books read for pleasure. Adults may use any time spent reading, for work or pleasure, and audiobooks count, too.

Each of the three programs geared to preschool to fifth grade, sixth to 12th grade and adults has an animal theme this year.

The children's program is "Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales." Reading logs for them are available in the Children's Department downstairs. The log keeps track of the books they read and/or the time they spend reading. Children too young to read on their own may also participate by logging the time others read to them.

As children complete each level, they can take their logs to the library and receive prizes, including coupons for food at McDonald's and tickets to Casper Rockies' games.

Two grand prizes will be awarded in the children's program, one for preschool to second grade and one for third to fifth grade. Each gift certificate is worth $200 at Eastridge Mall.

Teens completing grades six through 12 can join the pack by participating in the teen program, "Creature Feature."

Teens will have their own special sign-up party on Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m., in the Teen Zone on the library's main floor. The "Creature Feature Bash" will feature snacks, prizes and some monstrously cool activities. The teen adventure will continue through June and July with Wild Animal Jeopardy, Monster Makeup (presented by the Casper College theater department), Feature Presentation (a Teen Film Festival), and Feature Game (a Casper Rockies' game).

Teens who finish the reading program will qualify for a drawing for one $200 gift certificate to the mall.

All three programs end July 29. Grand prizes will be awarded at the Casper Rockies game Wednesday, Aug. 2.

Summer library hours at the main branch are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday. The library is closed on Sunday during the summer.

The bookmobile, Edgerton and Mills branches also will have summer incentive reading programs. Details are available at those locations.

For more information on any of the three programs, contact Walker at 237-4935, ext. 128.

Community News editor Sally Ann Shurmur can be reached at (307) 266-0520 or sallyann.shurmur@casperstartribune.net.