By SOFIA SINGHER

This summer, take some time to explore your creative side. We all have our unique ways of seeing and feeling our world, and writing intensifies our experience of life and liberates our minds and souls. The following workshops may be just what you need to get started.

• The Upper Delaware Writers' Collective will offer "Summer Dreams: Dreamwork and the Writing Process" on Thursday eveningJune 8. Call 914/887-4989 for information and required pre-registration.

• The Catskill Writers Colony in South Fallsburg is holding "Writers Bootcamp" from July 9 to 15. The camp is a time dedicated to finishing a work-in-progress. "Fiction Fest," an intensive manuscript critique including marketing strategies, speakers, and more, is scheduled for July 14 to 26. Call 212/362-3126.

• Lake Conference Center near Narrowsburg will present a two-day writing workshop during their "Traditional Crafts Retreat" held from July 7 to 9. "Write directly from one's own truth, not from the pastiche of conventional phrases that mask reality," says course instructor and award-winning writer Lillian Firestone. Contact Suzan Donleavy Johnston at 203/226-8161.

• Creativity is more easily nurtured in the young, and interest in writing often stems from the love of reading. Many area libraries are offering stimulating reading programs for children.

Sunshine Hall Free Library in Eldred is offering a program relating to the space theme, "Discovery 2000" from June 30 to August 4 for children in grades K-6. Call 914/557-6258.

Tusten-Cochecton Library in Narrowsburg will offer "Discover 2000 Read," on Mondays from July 10 to August 28 for pre-schoolers and up. Call 914/252-3360.

The Narrowsburg School PTA will sponsor "Take the Lead - Read" for students in grades one through sixth. Call Marlene Kinch at 914/252-6825.

Delaware Free Library in Callicoon will have a reading program on Thursday, June 29 through August 10 for two age groups. Call Donna Greenthal at 914-887-4040.

Jeffersonville Public Library's "Read 2000" program "Shooting Star Express," begins July 6, for various age groups from pre-school. Call 914/482-4350.

There will also be Story Time at Fort Delaware during July and August for ages four through 10. Call 914/252-6660.