Bookworms and art lovers are in for a treat this summer, as Whidbey Island Macaroni Kid and the Whidbey Island Arts Council are sponsoring a new event series beginning Wednesday, June 30.

Whidbey Island Macaroni Kid publisher Amy Hannold and Whidbey Island Arts Council board member Therese Kingsbury organized the “Read and Create Space” event series to provide a creative outlet for families this summer. Wednesday’s free kick-off event, which runs 3-8 p.m, will include a book swap and arts and crafts for all ages, with materials provided.

Hannold said they plan to host similar events every two weeks through Aug. 25, or until their gifted space gets leased out to someone else. The program’s purpose is to encourage creativity and foster a love of reading and the arts among Whidbey children and adults.

“We’ll have little reading corners and places for adults and children to color and different activities that give people space to stop and do something creative that they might not have already taken time in their week to do,” Hannold said.

Read and Create Space events will take place at 210 SE Pioneer Way in a space donated by Jim Woessner and Carol Vinson. Hannold said event organizers are accepting donations of money, books and art supplies. They are also looking for volunteers to help out with future events.

“We’d like to form a team that works to produce these events, and works along with us in this journey to provide a creative and reading space for people in the community,” she said.