The Jemison and Chilton-Clanton libraries will begin their summer reading programs soon.

The Jemison Public Library is having a summer reading program this year—its first in 30 years.

Fairy Tale Fun Day will kick off their program on May 31 from 6–8 p.m. at the City Hall Complex.

According to Jemison’s librarian, Tammie McGriff, workers will be in costume—fairies painting faces, dwarves giving tattoos and Old King Cole passing out treats. Children are also invited to dress up as their favorite fairy tale character.

McGriff says the evening will culminate with someone winning a football autographed by Nick Saban. Chances to win this prize are $2 a piece or $3 for 5 and are available for purchase anytime before the 8 p.m. drawing.

During the summer program, 1–4-year-olds will have story time, songs and snacks Wednesdays from 10–11 a.m.

For the older children, Jemison will host several guest speakers from the area on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10–11 a.m., including three local authors, an optometrist, dentist, bus driver, policeman and firefighter as well as people from Hayes Drug, Regions Bank and Piggly Wiggly.

Jemison’s summer reading program will end on June 28 with a party, complete with a clown and free hot dogs. The awards ceremony will also be held this day with the children who read the most books receiving special prizes.

 

The Chilton-Clanton library is also kicking off its Dream Big summer reading program June 1.

Programs will be on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. Their first program, June 5, will be a magician. For the second program, June 12, 4-H will bring owls, raccoons and other nocturnal animals for the children to see.

In addition to the special guests, all children who participate will receive prizes. The children from each group (K–2, 3–4, and 5–6) who read the most books will receive special prizes.

All books must be turned in by June 22, and the awards ceremony will be on June 26.

According to Renee Chambers, the Children’s Librarian at the Chilton-Clanton Library, the library has put on a summer reading program since the ‘70s, and they’re looking for another successful run this summer. So far, close to 100 children are registered to participate.

Unlike previous years, this summer the 3–5 year-old-story time will continue through summer reading on Tuesdays at 10 a.m.