Open book: Athens library kicks off summer programs

ATHENS — The bookworms are coming out of the woodwork to turn over a new “leaf” in reading.

Just because school is out doesn’t mean children or parents, should stop reading!

Saturday is the kickoff of the Athens Limestone County Library Summer Reading programs. The programs encourage a passion for reading at all ages, but especially help to prevent reading loss during the summer months.

Last year, the library welcomed more than 1,300 kids at 28 summer reading events culminating in more than 400 hours of reading.

The programs are free, but registration is required due to space limitations and the need to provide enough supplies for the sessions.

Kids and adults should sign up at the main library at 603 S. Jefferson Street from 9-11 a.m. Saturday. There will be book readings, games, prizes, arts and crafts, and the library has released its summer reading schedule for all ages:

• Mommy and Me Mondays: Held every Monday in June, there will be two sessions held at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. in the Community Room of the Athens Library. Make new friends and share stories while the tiny tots ages 0-5, enjoy toys, building blocks and activities with their parents’ interaction. Due to space limitations, parents should sign up for one of the two sessions.
• Tinker Tuesdays: Held every Tuesday in June from 10-10:45 a.m., this Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics-themed program is designed for ages 6-11. There will be a book reading and the children can complete a variety of activities based on STEAM topics.
• Wonderful Wednesdays: Held from 10-11 a.m. every Wednesday in June, and open to all ages, this program will feature performers, special guests, animals, science experiments and more.
• Thoughtful Thursdays: This program has two sessions – Baby Storytime for ages 2 and under at 9 a.m. featuring songs and fingerplays. Family Storytime begins at 10 a.m. and is for all ages.
• Friday Fun Days: Check the calendar below to see a schedule of movies that will be shown every Friday in June, with snacks and activities.
• Sensational Saturdays: Designed for teens and children of all ages, there will be chances to create artwork and special Hogwarts and Star Wars-themed activities.

Also, there are a variety of weekly sessions for kids ages 12-18 featuring scavenger hunts, Hogwarts parties, beekeeping and animal shows.

For adult bookworms, the library is sponsoring a variety of events about town:

• Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Meet & Greet with longtime Birmingham weatherman and author James Spann at UG White Hardware and High-Plane Coffee Company at 101 Jefferson Street. He will discuss his book “All You Can Do is Pray.”
• The Crochet Club meets every Saturday at 9:30 at the library. All levels of skill are welcome.
• Author’s Visit, June 15 at 6 p.m.: Author Jennifer S. Kelly will be at the library to sign copies of her new book, The Foxes of Belair: Gallant Fox, Omaha and the Quest for the Triple Crown.
• Book Club @ Antiques on Jefferson, June 22 at 6 p.m.: Sponsored by the Athens Limestone County Library, the club will read and discuss The Florabama Ladies’ Auxiliary and Sewing Circle by author Lois Battle.
• Free Yoga Classes: Every Tuesday at 6 p.m. and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. in June, Certified Fitness Instructor Julia Weston will hold free yoga classes sponsored by North Alabama Area Health Education Center.
• Adult Craft Night, June 19 at 6 p.m.: Local pollinators teach the art of making Seed Bombs.
• Adult Color & Coffee: Every fourth this summer at 10 a.m.

Download the full June Summer Reading Calendar here.