Photo courtesy of North Shelby Library.
Children watch an Animal Tales performance.
Summer will be here soon, and several local libraries already have their summer reading programs planned. Here’s what you can expect from libraries around Shelby County.
North Shelby Library
► Kickoff: Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., featuring bouncy houses, face painting, popcorn, cotton candy and more.
► Registration: Children will register online for a summer reading program and will log what they read either in number of books (for kids who read shorter books, such as pictures books) or number of minutes (for longer chapter books). Early registration will begin May 20. Children will earn an extra library dollar when they register early.
► Prizes: Children will earn one library dollar for every five books or 60 minutes read. Dollars can be collected at the children’s department and then spent on prizes.
► Programs: Performers will include Animal Tales, Miss Kit’s Bubble Show, a puppet show by All Hands Productions, crafts, story times, STEM programs and more.
Teens and adults will also have their own summer reading programs with activities just for them.
Mt. Laurel
► Kickoff: Saturday, June 1, 6-7:30 p.m. featuring bouncy houses, face painting, popcorn and more.
► Registration: Children will register online and will log what they read in number of books or minutes. Early registration will begin May 20. Children will earn an extra library dollar when they register early.
► Prizes: Children will earn one library dollar for every five books or 60 minutes read. Dollars can be collected at the library and then spent on prizes.
► Programs: Animals, magic, puppets and a digeridoo, crafts, story times, STEM programs and an ice cream social.
Mt Laurel will host a variety of programs for all ages.
Chelsea
► Kickoff: Wednesday, June 12, at 2 p.m. at Chelsea Community Center
► Theme: “A Universe of Stories!” July will focus on the Alabama Bicentennial.
► Programs: Each Wednesday will feature special events, including science tellers, reptiles and amphibians and folktales. Tuesday movies at the Chelsea Community Center will be at 1 p.m. each week. Coding camps will be June 17-22 and July 15-20 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Middle Grade Book Club will meet on Mondays at 5 p.m. Music and Books will be the second Tuesdays of each month at 5:30 p.m. for grades 3-5.
Hoover
► Kickoff: Friday, May 17, 7-9 p.m. featuring games, crafts and other activities with a Star Wars theme.
► Registration: Kids can register online at hooverlibrary.org.
► Prizes: Children are eligible for prizes when they read 200, 500, 1,000 and 1,500 pages. Those who read 500 pages are eligible to be in a drawing to win a bicycle.
► Programs: Buzz Lightyear event June 15; junior space camp June 29; moon landing 50th anniversary program July 20; eight weeks of weekday programs.