The Atmore Public Library is doing its part to keep the minds of children active with the Summer Reading program.

The program, which began earlier this month, is in full swing with several opportunities left for children to participate.

Cathy McKinley, director at APL, said the program has a simple goal in mind — to promote reading.

“The main goal of the program is to promote reading,” McKinley said. “We even have a contest going on to see who can read the most books during the six weeks the program runs.”

McKinley said young readers can still participate in the reading contest during the final weeks of the program.

“We gave out reading logs at the beginning of the program so that children could write down the books they read,” McKinley said. “Any child who would like to participate in the remainder of the program may pick up a reading log at our front desk any day or get one on the next program day.”

The program hours are from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Friday, June 25; Thursday, July 1; and Friday, July 9.

The theme for the 2010 program is “Make A Splash: Read” and McKinley said many of the discussions and books highlighted during the program are following the theme.

“The program this year is based on things like swimming and water,” McKinley said. “We have some special guests that have been with us. We have others who will be coming as well.”

Presenters during the program have included representatives from Southern Pine Electric Cooperative and Turtle Point Science Center, McKinley said.

“Next week, we will host ‘Pirate Day’ with children dressing up as pirates,” McKinley said. “We will have pirate games and give children costume pieces during the day.”

McKinley said Yo Yo the Clown, a balloon artist, will appear in an upcoming session of the program with each child receiving a piece of specially-made balloon art.

The final session will be held July 9 and will awards day for those who have participated in the program.

“We will hold our honors day at the end of the program when contest winners will receive their awards,” McKinley said. “A child doesn’t have to win a contest to receive and award. We will have awards for reading and other contests, but every child will receive a prize during the program.”

The program is designed to be of interest for young readers up to 12 years of age, McKinley said.

“We typically have children between 5 and 12 participate in the program,” McKinley said. “We do have some younger children participating this year. We have some three-year-old children in the program. We are happy to serve children up to the age of 12.”

McKinley said she is assisted with the program from long-time APL employee, Dorothy McGhee.

“Dorothy McGhee is a wonderful help with the program,” McKinley said. “She has been a part of Atmore Public Library for many years.”

McKinley said the 2010 program is made possible through the sponsorship of Library Partners of Atmore.

“The program is sponsored by Library Partners of Atmore and we are very thankful,” McKinley said.

Anyone interested in making a donation to the Atmore Public Library or the Library Partners of Atmore can contact McKinley at APL by calling 368-5234.