ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — With kids home 24/7 with no school to distract the little darlings, parents can be forgiven if they go a little “buggy.”

But, they should watch out. They might become the next exhibit for the Robertsdale Public Library’s “Catch the Reading Bug” summer program. The “Reading Bug” program is something libraries across the country are participating in.

“The program begins June 3 with registration,” said Cynthia Nall, the library’s director. “From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. that day, we will have a petting zoo, a trackless train and face painting.”

There will be hot dogs and drinks for the children participating only, Nall says,

If it rains, Nall promises to “move inside what we can,” so the big kickoff is on rain or shine.

Programs are designed for youngsters ages up to 10 years of age and the staff is “debating what to do,” says Nall if enough youngsters 10 to 11 years of age want to join the fun.

One of the features of the Robertsdale program is that a youngster has to be a Baldwin County resident, not necessarily a Robertsdale resident to join in the fun. Parents will have to accompany the youngster to registration and must show ID with proof of residence.

“We welcome first time library card holders,” said Nall. “If a youngster is 5 years old, they can get a card with a parent.” Nall added that parents are responsible for materials their children check out.

Events will be held in the library’s board room, which can hold about 30 youngsters. Attendance will be on a first-come-first served basis.

While it’s best to check with the library directly as to what program is going to be held when, Nall says that as of now, on Tuesdays, there will be programs for 3 and 4 year olds, and at 2 p.m. there will be movies for the entire family. Wednesdays 10 to 11:30 a.m. will see programs for 5-7 year old youngsters and Thursdays 10 to 11:30 is a special time for 8 to 10 year old youngsters.

While plans are in progress, as of now, the library expects to host “Dr. Gee and the Daffodil Clown,” performing a magic show, June 4. On June 16 at 10 a.m., a “Wild West” show is planned.

On June 20 at 10:30 a.m., there will be a “Creepy Crawlers” program from the McWane Science Center in Birmingham, showcasing a variety of bugs.

“For youngsters 11 and up, we will have special guests,” says Nall.

The program will end in June. According to Nall, experience has shown that many families plan to be away over the July 4 weekend, and that other concerns keeps people away the rest of the summer. However, if there is enough interest, Nall says she will consider continuing the program.

“We want children to come into the library,” said Nall.

Chase Bryant of Elsanor, and Mike Campbell, of Robertsdale, both longtime library workers are helping Nall design the summer fun. Campbell recently graduated from Robertsdale High and plans to take emergency medical services classes at the University of South Alabama. Bryant is a sophomore at Auburn University, majoring in aerospace engineering. He has been working for the library for four years.

Both are very experienced summer program workers. One of the photographs on Nall’s bookshelf is that of Nall dressed as a medieval queen for a summer reading program, flanked by other library workers, including Bryant and and Campbell also decked out in medieval costume.

It looks like there will be plenty of photo opportunities this year.

“At one point we’ll be making a bug catcher’s hat,” said Bryant. “Dealing with the smaller children can be fun.”

“The idea is to make the whole summer fun,” said Campbell.

Each session will include a craft or other activity appropriate to each age group. Bryant and Campbell also plan to do a reading for each age group.

Youngsters have the opportunity to win some valuable prizes for reading books.

“For books in the K-3 age group, the child’s name is entered into a drawing for that age group,” said Nall. “Junior” books, rated for 4th grade and up require two books be read to be entered in that drawing, and a youngster gets one entry for each “adult” book read.

“The prizes are pretty cool,” said Nall.

The young men have their own ideas for activities. They have learned over the years that the sky is the limit.

“Whatever we come up with, it has to be unisex,” said Bryant. “Anything with a bug theme can be fun.”