By Matt Wilson

For the FCT

The Russellville Public Library is hosting a Summer Reading Program for all school-aged children each Thursday at 10:30 a.m. for the next six weeks.

New library director Ashley Cummins has planned many great activities for each week with the help of a grant from the Dollar General Literacy Program.

“Things vary from year to year,” Cummins said.

“We have activities planned this year that will hopefully stick with the kids—things that will be fun for them.”

Cummins said there is usually a recommended theme from the National Library Association.

“This year’s theme is ‘Fizz, Boom, Read’ and the program is going to be a bit more general,” Cummins said.

The program begins June 19 but children interested in participating are encouraged to sign up through July 1.

“Any kids that are in school are welcome to join in,” Cummins said.

“The first day we will be having an introduction to the program and getting kids accustomed to the library and signed up for library cards.”

Cummins has a Skype interview with Marissa Meyer lined up for the second week of the program.

“She is a leading young-adult novelist,” Cummins said.

“I found out through Google that there are a lot of authors that are willing to do things like that.”

The McWane Science Center from Birmingham will be presenting a program called Radical Reactions on July 3. The Science Center’s Library Outreach Program will demonstrate “fizzing foam, colorful concoctions and many more science-filled surprises” according to their website.

“We also plan on having a mad scientist balloon program one week,” Cummins said.

“Animal Tales from Huntsville is coming to show the kids some different animals, too.”

Animal Tales is a group that travels to local schools, libraries, and other gatherings and educates children on different types of animals including snakes, birds, reptiles, and mammals.

Cummins said there will also be a sing-a-long to the popular movie “Frozen.”

“I get a lot of help with ideas and input from my third-grader,” Cummins said.

There will also be an Awards Night along with a pool party at the end of the six-week program.

“I want to try and make it fun for the kids—to maybe make some of this stick in their minds,” Cummins said.

“Every kid that comes in might not become an avid reader, but every kid that comes in the door is closer than they were.”

Any parent interested in their child participating in the Russellville Public Library’s Summer Reading Program is encouraged to stop by the library at 110 East Lawrence Street or call Ashley Cummins at 256-332-1535.