The Greenville-Butler County Public Library has released its schedule for the summer, one which includes a number of fun, family-orientated events plus its annual summer reading program for children.

“As far as programming goes this summer, we expect this to be our biggest yet,” said Library Director Kevin Pearcey,

First things first: the library kicks off its summer reading program for ages 4-10 next week on June 3 and concludes on June 27.

Registration is ongoing, said Pearcey.

This year’s theme is “Fizz, Boom, READ!” and spotlights science and scientific experiments.

Pearcey said Children’s Librarian Lee Johnson has been busy planning the library’s “Activity Lab,” where participants in this year’s summer reading program can come and conduct their own scientific experiments, read a book, watch a movie and enjoy a snack. Pearcey said the Activity Lab will be open from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday during the summer reading session.

“This year we’re not tying parents or children down to a specific timeframe,” said Pearcey. “We wanted to make it flexible for everyone to encourage participation. Parents can bring their child, of any age between 4-10, to the Activity Lab either on Tuesday or Thursday and for whichever session time, morning or afternoon, is best for them.”

Pearcey said the activities would change from week-to-week, from chemical creations to microscopic observations and more. Completing the weekly activities earns children points for prizes and weekly drawings. Additionally, children set reading goals at the beginning of the program and keep track of book read with their own reading log.

The library also has several big events planned:

• Wednesday, June 4: Magic Show with Alabama Magician Russell Davis at 2:30 p.m.
• Monday, June 9: Alabama 4-H Center’s Herp Journey (Reptiles) at 2:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 11: Alabama 4-H Center’s Raptor Trek featuring an American Bald Eagle at 2:30 p.m.
• Thursday, June 26: Michael P. White Children’s Book Illustrator at 10:30 a.m. The library will provide pencil and paper for this unique storytelling program.
• Friday, June 27: McWane Science Center’s Stardome at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Limit 60 children, first come, first served).
• Saturday, July 19: Hampstead Stage Co. presents “Alice In Wonderland.” (Time TBD).
• Friday, July 25: McWane Science Center presents “Science With a Bang!” at 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 2: 3rd Annual Star Wars Day at 11 a.m.

Additionally, the Montgomery Biscuits very own Big Mo is scheduled to visit the library in July where he will help hand out tickets to a Montgomery Biscuits baseball game. Pearcey said details for Big Mo’s visit are still being worked out and the time and day should be released in the near future.

All of the programming and summer reading is free to the public.

“We’re extremely excited to have these great events scheduled and we’re looking forward to the community coming out, joining us and having some fun,” said Pearcey.

For information on library programming, please call 382-3216 or email gbcpl@alaweb.com.