The Chilton-Clanton Library’s children section is decorated with a sports theme in preparation for its summer reading program that begins on Tuesday. (Photo by Anthony Richards)

Children in Chilton County will have plenty of opportunities to stay cool and have a fun time with summer reading programs.

The Chilton-Clanton Library will hold a program titled “On Your Mark Get Set…Read” which is based on sports theme, and the goal of keeping kids active readers during the summer months.

The program is for children who have just completed kindergarten through the sixth grade.

Chilton-Clanton Library Director Kelly Easterling estimates about 150 kids that signed up during the registration period.

However, Easterling encourages children to attend any of the events regardless of whether they are officially signed up.

Each child that participates will receive a book bag and are invited to attend special programs that will be held every Tuesday throughout the month of June beginning at 2 p.m.

The final day of the reading program will be June 28, prizes will be handed out to all kids who attend, and names will be drawn for each age group that participated in checking out books.

“We definitely go all out,” Easterling said. “You won’t want to miss it.”

Wednesday during the summer will serve as movie days for kids, with the first movie scheduled for June 13.

For more information about the program, call the library’s main phone number at (205) 755-1768. Renee Edwards is in charge of the program.

Joining in on the fun is the Maplesville Library, which will host its own summer reading program named “Ready Set Grow.”

For the second consecutive year, the Maplesville Library has partnered with Alabama 4-H Club Foundation and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

The program will last from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for four straight Wednesdays from June 22 to July 20 and will be offered for kids 4 years old to the sixth grade.

According to Maplesville Court Clerk Cindy Brown, the program was a success during its first year and is expected to be a hit once again.

“It was very engaging for the kids,” Brown said. “They truly enjoyed it.”

Anyone with questions or interested in volunteering can call Maplesville Town Hall at (334) 366-4211 and ask for Dawn Smitherman or Cindy Brown.

No information was available on Monday about any reading programs that the Jemison Library is planning this summer.