Summer reading program registration is underway

MARION COUNTY — School is nearly out for the year and summer is near. This means local libraries will begin having summer reading programs soon. Registration is currently underway for the Clyde Nix Public Library in Hamilton, the Marion County High School’s Elaine Junkin Community Library in Guin and the Winfield Public Library.
The programs are designed for kids aged 4-11, and the programs are more than just reading, though reading is encouraged. Prizes are given away, the CNPL will be having a scavenger hunt and the programs will include exotic animals and magic shows.
The programs are free, and patrons do not have to have a library card to attend, nor do they have to live in Marion County.
“During the summer reading program, children will be given a reading log,” Starr Montgomery, library director of the CNPL in Hamilton, explained. “For every hour they read, they'll be given a ticket to put their name on. All tickets will be put in a jar, and at the end of each program, a name will be drawn and someone will win a prize. After the last program, we'll draw a name for that program's prize and then draw a name for the grand prize.” The more kids read, the more tickets they’ll have for a better chance of winning a prize.
“We're also doing a Book Bingo and a Library Scavenger Hunt. Children will be given bingo sheets and have to do various book related things and will get a small prize. They'll also be given a scavenger hunt list of hidden things to find in the library.”
Montgomery also stated they were giving out free books at the end of the program.
The program schedule for Hamilton is June 5, Bigham Farms Exotic Animals at 12:30 p.m.; June 12, Tommy John’s Comedy and Magic Show at 1 p.m.; June 20, Mr. Super Science at 11:30 a.m.; and June 26, Digeridoo Down Under at 1 p.m. Overflow parking will be beside Wells Fargo.
The program schedule for Winfield is June 2, summer reading kick-off dance, 7-9 p.m.; then it follows the same schedule as Hamilton, with the exception of Mr. Super Science, which will be June 19. All programs in Winfield are at 10 a.m.
Guin’s schedule will be every Wednesday in June beginning at 11 a.m.
Winfield will also be having free teen and adult summer reading programs in July and will be posting about registration for those programs on Facebook later this month.
Registration will close Wednesday, May 31. To register, contact your local library. The number in Hamilton is 205-921-4290; the number for Guin is 205-468-2544; and the number for Winfield is 205-487-2484.