By FRANCES SMITH / Community Columnist

As the weather warms up, youngsters of all ages can get ready for the Summer Challenge that kicks off in June.

This is when kids read our library books to earn prizes while improving or maintaining their reading skills.

The overall theme combines building and reading for fun. The slogan is “Build a Better World.”

The kickoff is on June 1 for kids age 10 and younger. We’ll have two performances by magician Tommy Johns, one at 10:30 a.m. and another at 2 p.m.

Adults may sign up children for the Challenge before or after either show and receive a large goody bag and library activities calendar.

The Young Adults (YAs), tweens and teens 11-18 years old, will have a kickoff on June 1 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. featuring “Food Fun” – snacking and surprises.

Beginning on May 25 families can register youngsters online at Cityofalabaster.org or at the library.

If registering online remember to come by the library to get your goody bag and check out books.

The Summer Challenge will include several weeks of free entertaining and educational programs and activities, prizes and surprises.

Details on activities will be in next month’s newsletter.

The 2017 Summer Reading Program is supported in whole or in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Alabama Public Library Service.

With school ending May will be a busy month, but we hope you’ll stop in to enjoy a program! Read on for details on our annual May the Fourth Be with You Day and more.

Programs:

For Children

Summer Break Story Time for all ages Wednesdays, May 24 and May 31, 10:15 a.m.

Tunes & Tales for all ages, Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m.

Toddler Tales for toddlers, Fridays, 10:30 a.m.

May the Fourth Be with You Day May 4, 4-5:30 p.m. Our special “Star Wars” program is set to blast off for families with children 6 years old and older.

All children must be with an adult. Activities will include a “Star Wars” Lego Station, a “Star Wars” Creation Station and light refreshments in the Cantina and more.

Sign up is suggested and fans are encouraged to wear a costume if they like. Guests may receive a “Star Wars” mask while supplies last if they do not have a costume.

For Adults

ABC & Ds of Medicare May 8, 1 p.m.

Library Book Group May 18, 7 p.m. “When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi

Cake & Culture May 21, 2 p.m. “More Forgotten Alabama” Photographer Glenn Wills has turned his popular blog into books, “Forgotten Alabama,” and “More Forgotten Alabama” documenting ruins to preserve memories. History buffs and photography enthusiasts will enjoy his presentation.

Mobile Device Workshop May 25, 6 p.m. Computers, tablets, and smartphones — your questions answered by Bob Fitzgerald of Personal Computer Consulting.

Programs are in the meeting room.