The Wareham Free Library raised a flag for summer reading on Tuesday, successfully kicking off the library's annual summer reading program. The flag depicts a globe in honor of this year's theme: One World, Many Stories.

The flag was mounted on the roof of the library with help from the Wareham Fire Department. Dozens of children and their families then enjoyed a puppet show.

The seven-week program encourages readers of all ages to explore the world through reading. Each week of the program will focus on one of the seven continents. Participants will read about other lands, listen to others who have traveled or lived elsewhere, and enjoy music, dance, games, food, and stories of other cultures.

"It's a multicultural learning experience," said Marcia Hickey, who oversees the Children's Department at the library.

To participate in the program, sign up at any of the public service desks at the library or register online at WarehamFreeLibrary.org. Keep track of how many minutes you read in order to win prizes.

• Children ages 0-11 receive a raffle ticket for each two hours of reading
• Teens ages 12-17 receive a raffle ticket for each three hours of reading
• Adults ages 18+ receive a raffle ticket for each four hours of reading