By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The Chilton/Clanton Public Library is giving children and teens more reasons to visit the library with its Summer Reading Program.

The program will be offered at each library in Chilton County (Clanton, Jemison and Maplesville). However, the kick-off event will be held at the Clanton location at 100 First Avenue.

Face painting, snacks and games will be offered at this free event on June 1 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Kitchens said children and parents can stop by any time during the two hours to enjoy the festivities and sign up for the Summer Reading Program.

“It is just to get everyone excited about the summer reading program,” Kitchens said.

Kitchens said attending the kick-off event is not required to participate in the Summer Reading Program, but it is the first opportunity to register.

Each library will have a grand prize for children in kindergarten to sixth grade. Children will be entered into the grand prize drawing for each time they check out books at the library. Chances of winning increase with each check out, regardless of how many books are checked out.

“We are trying to encourage people to enter as many times as they can … and read as much as they can,” Kitchens said.

Jemison’s grand prize winner will be drawn on June 27 at 10 a.m. Maplesville’s grand prize winner will be drawn on June 28 at 10 a.m.

The Clanton grand prize winner will be drawn on July 10 at 2 p.m.

Participants do not have to be present to win.

The teen program is open to those in middle and high school. Teens can register and participate at any location.

“It’s the same concept, every time they check out, they are entered to win,” Kitchens said. “The grand prize for that one is a gift card to 2nd & Charles.”

This store in Birmingham has books, videos and other media-related products.

The grand prize drawing will be at Clanton on July 10 around 2 p.m.

Participants do not have to be present to win.

A pizza party for participants from all the Chilton County libraries will be held at 2 p.m. at the Chilton/Clanton Public Library, 100 First Avenue in Clanton.