Now that yet another school year has passed, South Baldwin libraries are gearing up to kick off their annual summer-reading programs.

As the name indicates, these programs are designed to encourage children and youth to read during the summer months. And they’re actually a long-standing tradition held across the nation.

“Summer reading programs began in the 1890s as a way to encourage school children, particularly those in urban areas and not needed for farm work, to read during their summer vacation, use the library and develop the habit of reading,” information provided by the American Library Association states.

But over the years, the program has expanded to include weekly activities that both keep the reading momentum going and provide a fun time at the library.

FOLEY

Foley Public Library’s summer-reading program will carry the theme, “Do ya Dig Reading!”

“Each Thursday in June, children ages 2 to 12 and beyond will gather in the Foley Civic Center at 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. for a fabulous time of fun,” Foley Public Library Director Steve Horne said. “Nationally recognized entertainers will encourage your child to read and use their imaginations. Bring blankets/pallets as the children’s seating is on the floor.”

The schedule is as follows:

June 6 - Paul Miller of Flow Circus digs juggling, magic, and lots of laughter. Join him as he tells the story of how a visit to the library inspired him to learn his skills.

June 13 - Charlie Williams, the “Noise Guy,” Invades Again: Comedian and vocal impressionist, teaches humor as a life skill and shows kids how he digs crazy noises.

June 20 - Monty Harper digs writing and performing award-winning children’s songs about science, reading and creativity. His audiences laugh, clap, sing, wiggle, shout, roar, giggle, jump, hoot, pop, snap and most of all… think!

June 27 –Mark Seymour brings “Be-At Your Best,” Alabama’s Premier Program offering a high-energy, interactive program encouraging and inspiring students.

But the fun doesn’t end at the close of June.

“Also, children of all ages are invited to free movies, with popcorn and drinks, showing three Thursdays in July in the Civic Center at 10 a.m.,” Horne said. Bring chairs or blankets/pallets”.

Movies will include:

July 11 – “Judy Moody and the Not Summer Bummer,” Rated PG;

July 18 – “Wreck-It-Ralph,” Rated PG

July 25 – “Brave,” Rated PG.

SUMMERDALE

Also hosting a “Dig into Reading” summer-reading program is the Marjorie Younce Snook Public Library in Summerdale. Activities will be held 10 a.m.-noon each Tuesday in June at the library.

“We will give free T-shirts to the first 70 children to register,” Library Director Cindy Suggs said.

The June 4 kickoff program will feature the entertainment of Flow Circus, who Suggs said was a favorite in 2009’s reading program.

“The Flow Circus program is a unique blend of magic and juggling sure to keep our readers engaged,” she said.

But that’s not all. In keeping with the theme, the kick-off will also include a dinosaur excavation site for readers to dig through for dinosaurs, eggs and bones.

“Reading time will be about archaeology and dinosaurs,” Suggs said. “Craft time will consist of making dinosaur molds and bottle cap jewelry.”

Plus, the morning will include “Digosaur Dig” refreshments.

The program on June 11 will be absolutely reptilian, featuring a live alligator and snake from Alligator Alley.

“Reading time will be about alligators, reptiles and invertebrates that like to dig,” Suggs said. “For craft time, each child will be making their own worm farm. We will have “Dirt Cups” for refreshments.”

On June 18, Baldwin EMC will present “Call Before You Dig,” and Magnolia Landscaping will present “What Are Roots For?” programs.

“Reading time will be about construction sites and animals that burrow,” Suggs said. “Each child will make a hanging planter complete with dirt and a plant for crafts,” Suggs said, adding that a “construction cake will be served for refreshment.

The final program on June 25 will feature Mark Seymour presenting “Be at your Best.”

“Crafts will be sand art, coke caps, scrabble jewelry and leather bracelets,” Suggs said.

In addition, refreshments will be hotdogs and chips.

“Each child will receive a reading certificate of participation and a bag full of goodies and prizes,” Suggs said. “The top reader will receive a $25 gift card from Dollar General.”

For more information call the Marjorie Younce Snook Public Library at 989-2011.

MAGNOLIA SPRINGS

Magnolia Springs Library will have a “monstrous” summer-reading program.

“Our kickoff is June 1st at 12:30 p.m.,” Magnolia Springs Librarian Alida Given said. “We are going to let the “Great Green Turkey Creek Monster” out of his box and make him grow with books read.”

To help ensure that growth, the library will be open for young people 5 p.m.-7 p.m. on Thursdays, thanks to a grant.

“Young people ages 9-16 are invited (with a limit of the first 12),” Given said. “Come—leave your cells phones at the desk, forget about computers and enjoy board (not bored!) games and each other. Parents will need to sign a form for permission.”

Additional summer-reading activities will include “American Girls Club,” a “Hug a Tree” Program, and “Miss Spider’s Tea Party.”

For more information and a schedule of events, call Magnolia Springs Library at 965-2305 or visit MagnoliaSpringsLibrary.org.