Interactive Clifford exhibit towers inside Elgin library

If a 9-foot-tall Clifford the Big Red Dog isn't enough to get the attention of children as they enter the Gail Borden Public Library this summer, the nine other huge exhibits that accompany him should be.

As part of the library's summer reading program, Paws to Read, a 10-site interactive exhibit on loan from the Minnesota Children's Museum and Scholastic Inc., will open for children to explore on Saturday, June 7, at the main library, 270 N. Grove St., in Elgin.

The exhibit is based on the "Clifford the Big Red Dog" children's book series by Norman Bridwell, and the top-rated PBSKids television program based on the books. The books tell the adventures of Clifford, a dog that grew as big as a house because he is loved so much by his owner, Emily Elizabeth.

The 1,500-square-foot exhibit features a slide on Clifford's tail, as well as the Birdwell Island Ferry where kids can steer and rev the engine.

"We want kids and parents to interact," said Denise Raleigh, the library's division chief of public relations and development. "Every part of the exhibit has directions in English and Spanish and it's based on a book. It's fantastic."

Other highlights include an area where families can pretend to order a meal, or take meal orders from behind the counter at Samuel's Fish and Chips Shack site, just like the one in the book and television series.

Children can fill Clifford's giant bowl with bones on a conveyor belt, sort mail at the Bridwell Island Post Office, and put on their own play in Emily Elizabeth's backyard theater.

Each of the 10 sites of the exhibit will include a matching display of books. Books about mail and post offices will be with the Bridwell Island Post Office, for example. It's meant to encourage children to be part of the library's summer reading challenge, Paws to Read, in which children can win books by completing a reading list by Aug. 11.

Spread out on the first floor of the library, the exhibit also is meant to foster social skills for children 2-7 years old. It teaches Clifford's Big Ideas: play fair, share, be truthful, responsible and kind, be a good friend, help others, and believe in yourself.

"It's a great way to spend some quality, inexpensive time with your kids," Raleigh said.

The exhibit was organized by Kate Burlette, director of visual arts and exhibits at the library, and is being assembled by volunteers.