The summer reading program in Clanton will begin June 1, allowing kids to learn more about the theme “Every Hero Has a Story.”

The Chilton-Clanton Public Library is currently signing up children for the program, which is free and incorporates the statewide theme chosen by the Alabama Public Library Service for 2015.

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.

Children participating may start checking out books June 1, and all books must be turned in by closing time on June 26 for all books to be counted.

A closing program is planned for June 30.

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.

“We will have prizes for everyone who participates,” Edwards said. “It will be different for the older groups because they might be reading books with higher page numbers so they won’t be required to read as many as the younger kids with chapter books.”

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.

Special programs will be held each Tuesday in June at 2 p.m.

On June 2, local heroes will be on site to teach the children about their various fields including firefighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians.

“We are thinking we will set up across the street at the old Adair School for that program, and the kids can come and learn about the various heroes,” Edwards said.

Other events include:

•June 9: Peter Hart Puppets will give a presentation.

•June 16: Calvin Cain Magic will perform.

•June 23: Russell Davis Magic will give a presentation.

•June 30: a closing program will begin at 2 p.m. to recognize all of the summer reading participants.

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.

“It is always a fun time at the library, and we usually have a lot of kids who participate,” Edwards said.

The summer reading program also helps teach children the responsibility of owning a library card and returning books by a due date.

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.

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

A complete list of movies will be available in a few weeks on the library’s Facebook page at “Chilton Clanton Public Library.”

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