Amateur sleuths of all ages will be able to get the inside scoop on the mysterious side of summer reading as the Scarborough Public Library’s “Get a Clue @ the Library” programs will help guide both chidren and adults to the best mystery titles.

According to Kristin Peto, youth services librarian, the idea for the theme came from the Collaborative Summer Library Program, a national organization that provides materials for libraries to use to guide their summer reading programs. Scarborough librarians have also been working hard to bring speakers and presenters to the library for entertainment and learning value.

The adult portion of the summer reading schedule is new this year, as well.

“There’s so much going on,” Peto said.

The program will kick off on Thursday, June 21, with a visit from a live brown bat from the Chewonki Foundation. A slide show and hands-on activities will help children up to Grade 8 learn more about their new nocturnal friend.

On Tuesday, June 26, children entering Grade 6 and above can learn about paranormal sightings reported in Maine and how to collect evidence from haunted happenings. On Wednesday, June 27, program participants can learn how to predict the weather at the library’s own weather station.

Other programs scheduled through the first week of August include a presentation by the police department’s evidence technician, Ron Nelson, a visit from the K-9 unit, a lesson in cryptology and the search for a piece of art missing from the library.

“We’re really excited and we hope to see everyone come into the library,” Peto said. Of course, along with attending the programs, young readers are encouraged to track their reading time in logs provided by the library.

And while the children are busy with bats and books, their parents can participate in their own programs.

The library has organized hundreds of mystery titles into five different categories: international intrigue, classic crime, Maine mysteries and cozy mysteries. Adults participating in the program are encouraged to read four books over the course of the summer. Those who complete the program will be eligible to enter their name into a drawing for a gift basket of Maine books and goodies.

Also, a panel of mystery authors will visit the library to discuss the writing process in their genre, which Celeste Shinay, programming coordinator, said will be an interactive presentation.

“We’re always looking to reach out to all the demographics,” said Shinay. “I think we just felt, why should the kids have all the fun?”