By FRANCES SMITH / Community Columnist

This summer children can Build a Better World by reading as the Albert L. Scott Library launches its annual reading challenge for kids from newborn to 18 years old. It starts on June 1 with special activities. Adults can register children at the library or online at cityofalabaster.com.

Once signed up and kids have picked a reading goal, they check out and read our library books, write the titles in a log and get prizes along the way to their goal. When they reach their goal they get a certificate and can enter prize drawings. The challenge ends on July 12 with a finale that includes prize drawings and more.

The goal is to encourage youngsters to read for pleasure when they are not in school. Parents and other caregivers can read to pre-literate children. The 2017 Summer Reading Program is supported in whole or in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Alabama Public Library Service.

We thank our sponsors, to date: Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Birmingham Barons Baseball, Bike Link, Friends of the Library, Jim n Nick’s-Alabaster, Oak Mountain Lanes, Red Mountain Theatre Company, Sonic-Pelham and What-a-Burger.

During the six-week challenge there will be free activities. Story Times are Story Builders at 10:15 a.m. and Tunes & Tales at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesdays; and Toddler Tales at 10:30 a.m. on Fridays.

Programs

June 1  Kids’ Kickoff – Magician Tommy Johns 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

June 1   YA Kickoff – Culinary Quest Party 6 p.m. 11-18 years old

June 5   Birmingham Zoo to You 10:30 a.m.

June 5   Iron Giant Percussion Concert & Workshop 4 p.m. For all ages

June 6   Lego League 4 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

June 6   Drama Workshop 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. 8 to 11 years old sign up for all six weeks

June 6   Drama Workshop 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. 12 to 15 years old sign up for all six weeks

June 8   Read and Re-Create Craft Studio 10:30 a.m. 6 years old and older can sign up

June 8   YA Science Lab: Rockets 4 p.m. 11 to 18 years old can sign up

June 12  Skin & Bones Comedy Circus 10:30 a.m.

June 12  Be-at Your Best Drums 4 p.m.

June 13  Lego League 4 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

June 13  Drama Workshop 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. (continues)

June 13  Drama Workshop 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. (continues)

June 15   Read and Re-Create Craft Studio 10:30 a.m. 6 years old and older can sign up

June 15   YA Crafts Studio: Make it So! 4 p.m. 11 to 18 years old can sign up

June 19   Water Science Lab 10:30 a.m.  Third grade and above can sign up

June 19   Maynard, Magic & Music 4 p.m.

June 20   Lego League 4 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

June 20   Drama Workshop 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. (continues)

June 20   Drama Workshop 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. (continues)

June 22   Body Quest with Alabama 4-H 10:30 a.m. Third grade to fifth grade can sign up

June 22   YA Culinary Quest: Veggie Taste Test 4 p.m. 11 to 18 years old can sign up

June 23   4-H Science School Animals Visit 2 p.m.

June 26   Block Party 4 p.m. 4 years old and older can sign up

June 27   Lego League 4 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

June 27   Drama Workshop 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. (continues)

June 27   Drama Workshop 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. (continues)

June 29   Amazing Art & Architecture Workshop 10:30 a.m. First grade to fifth grade can sign up

June 29   YA Awesome Art & Architecture 4 p.m. 11 to 18 years old can sign up

Programs are in the meeting room. Children age 6 and younger must be with an adult.