Public libraries in Andalusia and Opp are preparing for their annual summer reading programs.

This year’s theme is “On Your Mark, Get Set, Read.”

A new program at the Andalusia Public Library will challenge elementary schoolers in grade 2-3 and 4-5 to see who can read the most books.

“They will have to keep a log and their parents will have to sign off,” said APL Children’s Librarian Caryl Lee Ray. “We will be giving away a big prize. We need contests that have an emphasis on literacy.”

The APL program will begin Thurs., June 2, at 3 p.m., with a balloon release and “Live Animal Tales.”

“Live Animals Tales is where they bring live animals and show them off,” said Ray.

June 9, the program will be at 3 p.m., and will be the Traveling Trunk Olympics.

“This gets kids involved by getting up and doing competitions against each other,” she said. “This will also be the day that we invite our kids to wear their favorite team jersey.”

The McWane Science Center will be at the library on June 16 at 3 p.m.

“That’s always a fun time,” Ray said.

On June 23, Hoops for Fitness will have the show, at 3 p.m.

“They will have a storytime and a show with hula hoops,” Ray said.

On the fifth Thursday, there won’t be a program, but participants will have play with Legos, color and watch cartoons, Ray said.

Additionally, Ray said the students will be encouraged to bring donations in support of the Miracle League.

“We are asking them to bring extra ball caps, ball gloves, bats and baseballs,” she said. “We want them to contribute back to the community.”

As usual, their will be a art contest for ages 4-12 and a Lego contest with a minimum of 50 pieces for ages 6-14.

In Opp, the program will kick off on June 15 at 2 p.m., with Skip the Magic Guy.

Program dates will be July 11-15. Kindergarten through second grade will be at 10 a.m., and third grade and up will be at 2 p.m.

“I’m excited that our theme is sports related,” said Opp Public Library Director Courtney Smart. “We have some awesome prizes to give out, including autographed pictures from some pretty well-known coaches in Alabama. We look forward to seeing everyone this summer.”