It’s exciting to read the list of programs on tap for the Great Bend Public Library’s Summer Reading Program.

“Prepare to Blast Off!” the library announced as it unveiled a schedule with the theme “A Universe of Stories.” This theme “encourages people of all ages to explore stories of all types. Inspired by the 50th anniversary of the moon landing (in 1969), we will be hosting tons of events for fun and learning, focusing on the theme of space.”

Michael Adamyk, the library’s marketing and technical services manager, mentions Friday's program in his column, which can be found on page 7 of Friday’s Great Bend Tribune. In addition to programs by the Kansas Cosmosphere, there will be a program that has nothing to do with space exploration but sounds equally interesting: nationally-known veteran dog sled racer Karen Land will bring her dog Noggin and she will talk about the Iditarod Trail and other dog sled races.

There are many, many worthwhile programs scheduled this summer, such as “Meteorites and More to Explore” on July 17. There are some things that just sound like fun, such as a Star Wars Day, Cosmic Cosplay and Pizza, and even a magic show. However, this reporter did a facepalm when she saw the June 24 program for teens, “What’s Your Sign?” The description reads, “Learn about astrology, the ancient study of how heavenly bodies affect us, and learn the signs of the Western Zodiac.”

The presenter of this program might also want to talk about palm reading, which is also an ancient study and has ties to astrology. The Great Bend Public Library’s shelves contain at least one book on each subject: “Optimum Child - Developing Your Child’s Fullest Potential Through Astrology,” by Gloria Star, and “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Palmistry, second edition,” by Carolyn Flynn, Lisa Lenard and Robin Gile. Mr. Gile, in the book, notes that palms can change and he witnessed one psychic’s palm change as he was reading it.

My palm cannot be read at this moment, as it is on my face.

Teens, if you attend this program, remember that modern scientific methodology includes verification and testing. “Real” horoscopes and palm readings belong is the same category as Wookiees and Ewoks.