From the “oohs” and “ahhs” at the Agricultural Hall, you might have thought that the fair came early this year. Instead, about 100 youngsters were there for a close-up display of prestidigitation — that’s quick fingers — by Scott Jameson, the Martha’s Vineyard Library Association’s kickoff event for the summer reading program.

The children sat in awe as the magician made metal rings join in mid-air and, from across the room, caused handkerchiefs to tie themselves together. “Excellent — just excellent!” was eight-year-old Hoffie Hearn’s summary.

Each year the six Island libraries on the Island hold a summer program that provides incentives and encouragement for students and even preschoolers to read books. After being signed up at their local library, children up to age 10 can claim a T-shirt or a book bag if they read (or are read) 20 picture books or six chapter books.

For teens ages 11 to 18, reading six or more chapter books can earn a shirt, book bag, or better yet, a four-day pass to, yes, the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair.

The program isn’t just for kids; there are incentives for adults as well. Neila Decker, children’s librarian at the West Tisbury Public Library, estimates “about 300 kids, 100 young adults and 100 adults participate in the program at the West Tisbury library alone.”

Each year the state-sponsored program has a theme. This year’s is Go Green at Your Library. The libraries are showcasing books on conservation and the natural environment. This year’s T-shirt, designed by West Tisbury author and cartoonist Paul Karasik, sports a green frog reading a book.

The program already is a success. Some kids in the audience were wearing the decidedly cool frog T-shirts.

Tavi Pollard, age five, showed off his shirt and proudly proclaimed that Chilmark Free Public Library is the best. The Hardy Boys series is his favorite.

Lyla Solway, four, also praised the Chilmark library: “There’s a story hour, and I love it because it is very long.”

Lyla’s favorite book is Misty of Chincoteague, by Marguerite Henry.

As for how a magic show can inspire kids to read? It turns out that how-to magic books are among kids’ favorites. Children who want to know how to pull off a little sleight of hand need only to head to juv793 on the nonfiction shelves . . . or ask their local librarian.