Kids interested in participating in a summer reading program this summer will have the opportunity to become a “readologist” through the “Fizz, Boom, Read!” programs offered at the Chilton-Clanton Public Library and Jemison Public Library.

The program is free at both libraries and incorporates the statewide theme chosen by the Alabama Public Library Service for 2014.

Children’s librarian at the Chilton-Clanton Public Library Renee Edwards said the program at the Chilton-Clanton Public Library is open to any child who has completed kindergarten, first, second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth grade.

“This year we are doing something different in that we will not have a deadline for kids wanting to sign up,” Edwards said. “This year, if a child wants to sign up the day before the program is finished we will let them. We are not turning any children away.”

Children participating may start checking out books June 2, and all books must be turned in by closing time on June 20 for all books to be counted.

A closing program is planned for June 24.

There will be four age groups for those participating in the program: kindergarten, first-second grade, third-fourth grade and fifth-sixth grade.

Edwards said all participants will receive a book bag, and additional prizes will be awarded at the end of the program.

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.

“The theme this year is focusing on science so a few of the programs will be focused on science themes,” Edwards said. “On June 3, we will have Mrs. Frizzle from the Magic School Bus at 2 p.m.”

Special programs will be every Tuesday during the month of June at 2 p.m.

In the past, the library has signed up more than 100 children for the program, and Edwards expects this year to be about the same.

“We already have 100 children signed up so there might be more,” Edwards said. “Children love the summer reading program, and it is always a fun time here at the library.”

Edwards said part of the program is to teach children the responsibility of owning a library card and returning books by a due date.

“The younger kids love coming in to the library and learning about the process of checking a book out,” Edwards said. “They get to learn about the card catalog and look at that card and then go find the book on the shelf and pick it up with their hands. We want to introduce the children to the library at a young age so it will get them excited about reading.”

Edwards said in a technological age where books have to capture the attention of an audience hooked to computers and smart phones, she hopes engaging children at a younger age will get them involved in reading.

“We have a lot of parents who come to us and say they are struggling to get their children to read,” Edwards said. “We usually help them find books we know will be something the kids will enjoy. So far, we have not found many children who do not love the Lemony Snicket books. Those usually do the trick for getting a child to enjoy reading.”

Edwards said other popular books for younger children include the Ivy and Bean series by Annie Barrows, the Divergent series by Veronica Roth, the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins, any books by author Judy Blume, the Saddle Book Club series by Bonnie Bryant and the Baby-sitters Club series by Annie M. Martin.

“Children love books with a unique or interesting cover,” Edwards said. “They love looking at the books which have a really bright cover or something exciting on the front.”

This year, the Chilton-Clanton Public Library will also host a teen summer reading program for kids who have completed seventh grade through high school.

The teen summer reading program will be every Thursday during the month of June at 10 a.m. at the library.

Edwards said anyone can sign up for a library card which costs a one-time fee of $3.

Children must have a parent present for a child to receive one.

The library will also host a summer movie day during the months of June and July every Wednesday at 2 p.m. where family-friendly movies will be shown in the conference room at the library.

“The movies are free and open to anyone who wants to come and watch them,” Edwards said.

For more information about the Chilton-Clanton Public Library summer reading program, call (205) 755-1768.

The library also has a Facebook page at “Chilton Clanton Public Library” with updates about different activities happening at the library.

The Jemison Public Library’s one-week program will be July 14-18 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 local businesses talk to the kids.

“We will have lots of reading and fun for everyone,” McGriff said.

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