Getting kids to shut off the T.V., put down the video games, and pick up a book has never been an easy task - any parent or babysitter (yours truly included) will attest to that. But libraries, museums, and bookstores all over Rochester are making reading fun with their summer reading programs, many of which are already under way.

Area libraries, including the Penfield, East Rochester, Webster and Irondequoit branches, are turning reading into an exciting game by offering prizes and rewards for every time you read. Kindergarteners through sixth graders can play "Catch the Reading Bug" once a week at the Penfield Public Library, 1985 Baird Rd., by promising to read at least 20 minutes a day, five days a week. Time slots to roll the dice or collect prizes are Mondays 6-8 p.m., Tuesdays 3-5 p.m. or 6:15-8:15 p.m., or Wednesdays 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. or 3-5 p.m. For more information and registration times, call 340-8720. This bug-themed game is also available at East Rochester Public Library, 111 West Elm St., for children 2-12, and at the Evans branch of the Irondequoit Public Library, 45 Cooper Rd., for babies through sixth graders. For more information about this program, visit mcls.rochester.lib.ny.us.

Never fear teens! You won't be left out, as the Webster Public Library is holding a summer reading program geared toward anyone entering grades 6-12. Now through August 8, teens can read to win weekly prizes in the "Get in the Game" reading program at the library, located in Webster Plaza on Ridge Road. You can even knock off any summer school assignments while you're at it.

Writers & Books is keeping kids on the page with its SummerWrite 2008 program. Upcoming classes include "Advanced Fiction" and "For a Song." For information about these and other programs, visit wab.org.