The Captiva Memorial Library will feature two special programs, one for kids and one for teens, for the month of October.

On Saturday, October 10 at 3 p.m., kids and families are invited to enjoy “Popping Up Reading,” a program filled with stories, poems and fun facts about popcorn.

One of the books is called “The Popcorn Dragon.”

“It’s about a dragon who gets himself into a bit of mischief. He’s very pleased with himself because he’s able to make smoke and fire, but he starts annoying all the other animals, and soon he doesn’t have any friends,” explained library associate Naomi Pastor.

In addition to “The Popcorn Dragon,” which was one of Pastor’s favorites when she was a child and the inspiration for “Popping Up Reading,” kids will read “The Popcorn Book,” “The Huckabuck Family: and How They Raised Popcorn in Nebraska and Quit and Came Back” and various poems about popcorn.

On Saturday, Oct. 24 at 3 p.m., island teens will have the opportunity to both read and tell a variety of fantasy stories.

“The theme this year from ALA (American Library Association) is ‘Read Beyond Reality,’ so that’s why we’re going to do fantasy and science fiction tales. We’re going to be doing some reading and some telling of tales,” Pastor said.

One of the books from which Pastor will be drawing her “Read Beyond Reality” tales is called “Once Upon a Galaxy,” a collection of fairy tales with a sci-fi twist.

“A lot of different science fiction authors took traditional fairy tales and turned them into science fiction. One of them is called ‘The Emperor’s Revenge,” said Pastor, referring the classic tale of “The Emperor’s New Clothes.”

Other books will include “Apples from Heaven” and another book featuring Native American tales.

During another monthly program, “Kids Read Down Fines,” children and teens can come to the library on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. to read down their library fines. Readers will earn a $2 coupon for every 15 minutes of reading during the allotted time. Registration is required.

In addition to these special programs, the library is still conducting their “Dive into Reading” bookmark design contest. The contest is for third, fourth and fifth graders and the deadline is Oct. 9. Contest rules and entry forms can be found at the library, located at 11560 Chapin Lane.

The first place winner will receive a certificate, a Barnes & Noble gift card, an invitation to a reception at Barnes & Noble and will see their design in print on an actual Lee County Library System bookmark.

For more information about any of these programs, call the Captiva Memorial Library, 472-2133.