The Maplesville Public Library kicked off their “Feathers, Forest and Fun” summer reading program on Friday.

Sponsored by the 4-H Center, the program provides lessons and activities about nature.

Kids ages 4-12 are welcome to attend the remaining sessions of the reading program, which will be held June 26, July 10 and July 17 from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

Each session will have a nature-related theme, accompanied by a book.

On June 26, the group will be reading “Make Way for Ducklings”; July 10 will be “The Busy Tree”; and July 17 will be “Owl Babies.”

On Friday, 4-H Foundation Agent Josine Walters read “Stellaluna,” a story about a bat, to roughly 25 kids at the summer reading program.

After listening to the reading, participants viewed a video about birds’ beak adaptations, checked out library books and made bird feeders from water bottles.

Walters said the main goal of Friday’s program was to share the sport of bird watching, while also sharing knowledge about birds, forestry and natural resources.

“Next Friday, we’re going to learn about ducks and make duck hats,” Walters said. “We’re asking that the kids dress up like ducks for next week’s lesson.”

County Extension Coordinator Gay West reminded attendees about the Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail, located at the Maplesville walking trail.

“The bird trail is a community project,” West said. “It’s a big tourist attraction and a good thing for our community.”

The 4-H representatives weren’t the only ones busy at the program, as the kids made birdfeeders with a water bottle, a hole puncher and some string.

“I liked making the birdfeeders,” 5-year-old Archie Ingram said. “Putting the string through was hard but it was fun.”

“I liked the movie and how the birds were catching the fish,” 3-year-old Briar Denson said.

“I read books about fish and animals,” 4-year-old Abby Hollon said.

“The video was my favorite. I liked when the bird found its mommy,” 8-year-old Natalie Ford said.

The summer reading program is funded by grants through the 4-H Club.