Dig into reading

Have you had your 4E Experience? If not, then visit the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest this summer and find out how it can enrich, empower, educate and entertain you.

Each year, the Library orchestrates a summer reading program for patrons of all ages, from babies to retirees. This year, the Adult Department will feature the theme “Groundbreaking Reads,” while the Teen Department will launch “Beneath the Surface” as its theme. Both departments will offer programming, prizes and reading opportunities for those patrons who wish to sign up.

The Children’s Department staff has planned 10 weeks of non-stop library fun for its “Dig Into Reading” program, which begins with a huge Kick-off Party on Sunday, June 2 from 2-4 p.m. at the library. The party will include: face painting; ice cream; an Egyptian Mummy Tomb Mystery; digging for gold and gemstones; and Dr. Magical Balloons, a zany storyteller who uses balloon sculptures — and willing audience members — as his story props.

Everyone who signs up for the summer reading program that day will get a special goodie bag filled with coupons and treats courtesy of generous merchants in the area.

The summer reading experience continues as the library attempts to: educate through nature craft activities on the library trail each Monday; enrich toddlers and preschoolers through fun, age-appropriate story times on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; empower the imagination of everyone who attends the special performer programs on Thursdays; and entertain kids of all ages with great movies on Fridays.

Prizes will be given out each week for children who visit the Library and are registered with Dig Into Reading. In addition, there will be an online program participants can access from home to enter and track the number of books they read, with a prize drawing at the Summer Reading Finale on August 8. Kids who register online can be in the drawing for prizes, in addition to the weekly prizes for visiting the Library.

The Library is open every day and is useful stop for anyone looking for a great diversion as we head into the summer.