The Chilton-Clanton Public Library and Jemison Public Library hope to make reading enjoyable and beneficial for children through their “Dig Into Reading” reading programs this summer.

The program is free at both libraries and incorporates the statewide theme chosen by the Alabama Public Library Service for 2013.

The Chilton-Clanton Public Library’s program is open to any child who has completed kindergarten, first, second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth grade.

The deadline for parents to sign their children up for the program is Friday, May 31.

Children participating may start checking out books June 1, and all books must be turned in by closing time on June 21 for all books to be counted.

Participants will be divided into three age groups: kindergarten–second grade, third–fourth grade and fifth–sixth grade.

All participants will receive a book bag and goodie bag, and additional prizes will be awarded at the end of the program to those who read the most books.

Prizes could include T-shirts, Books-A-Million gift cards and other small trinkets.

All books must be checked out from the Chilton-Clanton Public Library. Children may read the books by themselves or to others, such as their parents.

Each participant will have a folder containing a book log with all books read during the program. The folder must be kept at the library.

Children’s librarian Renee Edwards said 50 kids are signed up for the program, which has been offered at the library for more than a dozen years.

“In the past, it’s been 75–100 kids to participate,” Edwards said. “It’s very exciting and crazy around here.”

The program will take place each Wednesday in the month of June at 2 p.m.

The following speakers/entertainers are scheduled for the program: Magician Archie Wade, June 5; Dr. Magic Balloons, June 12; Dynamic Education Adventures, June 19; and Sarrell Dental with a presentation on how to properly clean teeth, June 26.

Edwards said the Clanton Kiwanis Club donates $1,000 to the library every year to help fund the summer reading program.

Children can check out 25 books at a time, and Edwards said the numbers of books kids could read during the contest are limitless.

“Even moms get into this,” Edwards said. “They get competitive.”

Parents are asked to stay at the library during each 45-minute program and are encouraged to monitor their children’s book logs to ensure they are being truthful about how many books they read.

CCPL Director Kelly Easterling has helped Edwards decorate the library for “Dig Into Reading,” and CCPL board member Emily Hussey made posters to hang inside the library.

Along with giving children a fun and educational outlet while they are out of school, the summer reading program teaches them how to be responsible with borrowed items (i.e. library books) that don’t belong to them.

“There are some children that have never been in the library before that are introduced to reading and hopefully develop a love for that,” Edwards said. “That’s what makes it worth being here—when a child comes in excited about a book or library card.”

Library cards are $2 each, and parents must be present for a child to receive one.

For more information, call the Chilton-Clanton Public Library at (205) 755-1768.

The Jemison Public Library’s one-week program will be July 29 through Aug. 2 from 10–11 a.m.

Children age 5 and above may attend. No pre-registration is required, and the program is free.

Parents must stay at the library during the program.

Librarian Tammie McGriff said she plans to have guest speakers from the community talk to the kids four of the five days.

On the fifth and last day of the program, McGriff hopes to have entertainment, refreshments and prizes for those who read the most books throughout the week.

Anyone interested in contributing to Jemison’s program can call McGriff at (205) 688-4491 ex. 318.