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The Andalusia Public Library is bringing children from all over the community together with a kindness, friendship, and unity theme for its 2023 Summer Reading Program.

The annual program begins next week and runs through the end of June.

APL Children’s Librarian Caryl Lee Ray stated that summer reading sets the stage for success.

“Kids who do not read or practice skills over the summer can lose two months of reading progress. Time in the library prevents summer learning loss and allows kids to gain the skills they need and start the school year ahead. We are excited to be back for another exciting summer with all of our little people and help them enjoy the wonders of reading with fun activities and events planned,” Ray said.

The library offers numerous books for children of all ages and at different levels for all.

“As they succeed with each great book, their confidence and motivation grow. When faced with new challenges at school, they think, ‘I can do this.’ Skilled readers perform better in every subject. The key to lasting success is reading for pleasure,” she added.

The SRP begins with a Drums Be-at-Your-Best program Thursday, June 1, at 3 p.m. Animal Tales will return a week later on Thursday, June 8, at 1 p.m. for ages eight and under and 3 p.m. for ages nine and up. A ventriloquist storyteller will be at the library Thursday, June 15, at 3 p.m. After an off week, the McWane Science Center will close out this year’s festivities Thursday, June 29, at 3 p.m.

“Our personal theme this year is to be the ‘I’ in kind. We are very happy to bring back some of our annual events the children really enjoy being a part of. We will have our usual Preschool Story Time every Friday of the month at 10:30 a.m. Something new we have added this year and look forward to is the addition of two Movie Mondays at 1 p.m. on June 5 and 12,” Ray said.

Over 1,500 children attended last summer’s Summer Reading Program at the library. Studies show that children who read regularly develop the skills and confidence to excel in every grade. Library books help children establish a habit to read for pleasure and reap the rewards from the school year and beyond.

“There is simply no better motivator than getting lost in a book, feeling like you’re part of the story, and living each adventure as your own. Our library guides kids towards this experience step by step helping them form strong connections to outstanding, age-appropriate books.”

The Andalusia Public Library is located at 212 South Three Notch Street and is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information email library@cityofandalusia.com or call 334-222-6612.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported our Summer Reading Program over the years. Let’s all come together now and make a difference in our children’s lives as we get ready for another exciting summer at your library,” Ray said.