Summer is right around the corner and the Atmore Public Library will be holding its summer reading program in June.

The APL’s summer reading program theme this year is “On your mark, get set, READ!!!”

“We will be encouraging all the kids to read not only during the program, but continue coming to the library throughout the summer,” Library Director Cathy McKinley said. “Statistics show that reading skills drop during the summer if a child does not continue to read.”

The program will meet every Thursday in June, beginning at 10 a.m. Each program will last approximately one hour, and all are welcome.

The schedule includes the following:

• June 3 – opening ceremonies

• June 10 – Magician Gary Ledbetter

• June 17 – Magician Michael Hammon

• June 24 – Wild West show and awards day

McKinley said one special event the library is having is that the Mobile Bay Bears are giving top readers a free ticket to their July 23 contest.

“Parents and family members of the top readers will receive a discounted ticket price if tickets are purchased before July 19,” she said. “All readers will be recognized on the field during a parade and will also get a chance to meet Teddy and Bay B. Bear prior to the game.”

Additionally, two biologists from Southern Pine are coming July 15, after the program is over, to present an educational program on lizards, snakes and frogs.

The summer reading program is sponsored by the Library Partners of Atmore.