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Local libraries have announced plans for their summer reading programs for patrons of all ages.

Although the novel coronavirus pandemic has changed how certain activities can be offered, staff members are hard at work to provide programs that are engaging, entertaining and educational—and that, above all, encourage reading.

Chelsea

The Chelsea Public Library will hold Imagine Your Story summer reading programs for pre-K children (0-4 years old), children (5-12 years old), teens (13-18 years old) and adults (18 years old and older).

Families may register for the summer reading online at Chelsealibrary.readsquared.com.

Those who register will receive updates each week on how to access the programs, and they will be able to log books on the computer through the website or via the ReadSquared app for chances to win prizes.

“We decided this year to do all of our programs virtual,” a May 30 e-newsletter from the library read. “The space limitations that would have to be followed would have meant that a whole bunch of kids would not be able to attend the programs. We didn’t want to have to exclude anyone, so this decision was made.”

The virtual format will allow families to view the programs more than once throughout the summer if they wish.

In addition, the library will host several Zoom programs.

The program schedule is:

• June 3 – Dr. Magical Balloons
• June 10 – Science Tellers
• June 17 – Lew-E the Clown
• June 24 – Ms. Kit’s Magical Bubbles
• July 1 – Patriotic Slime! (Sign up is required for this program, which will be held at the library.)
• July 8 – Yarbourough Education, a.k.a. the Snake Lady
• July 15 – Robbie Lewis, Hoops for Fitness
• July 22 – Wonderkit: Storymakers! (Participants need to pick up a project kit at the library before the program.)
• July 29 – Harry Potter Birthday Bash (Pick up a party kit at the library before the program or at the movie on July 28.)

All programs will be held at 2 p.m. and virtual via Facebook or Zoom, unless otherwise noted.

Follow the Chelsea Public Library on Facebook or check the website for updates.

North Shelby

The North Shelby Library will offer Imagine Your Story summer reading virtual and at-home programming for children, teens and adults on June 1-July 17.

Participants can log their reading and activities through the Beanstack program for chances to win prizes.

Visit Shelbycounty.beanstack.org to sign up and get more information.

Those who do not have readily available internet access in order to register and log reading may call (205) 439-5504.

Starting June 1, the library will hold a bookmark contest in which participants of all ages may create a bookmark based on the summer reading theme, Imagine Your Story.

Patrons are encouraged to submit a design by Friday, July 17 at 6 p.m.

One winner from each age group will be chosen.

For more information about upcoming events in June and July, visit Northshelbylibrary.org or the library’s Facebook page.

Mt Laurel

The Mt Laurel Library will offer virtual and at-home programming for Imagine Your Story summer reading for all ages June 1-July 17.

Registration is available at Mtlaurellibrary.org, and kick-off bags will be available on June 1 for curbside pick-up.

Like the North Shelby Library, the Mt Laurel Library also will hold a bookmark contest based on this year’s summer reading theme (see above for guidelines).

For more information about upcoming events in June and July, visit Mtlaurellibrary.org or the library’s Facebook page.

Hoover

The Hoover Public Library’s Imagine Your Store summer reading program started May 1 and will continue through July 31.

Children, teens and adults are invited to participate.

To sign up and earn chances to win prizes, visit Hooverlibrary.beanstack.org.

The library will start curbside pickup on June 1.

Anyone who needs to speak to a librarian may call (205) 444-7800.

Staff are available for phone service only from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

Current active memberships should remain active until the library reopens to the public.

Follow the library’s Facebook page or check the website, Hooverlibrary.org, for updates.