By FRANCES SMITH / Community Columnist

As school ends, children of all ages can look forward to our Summer Challenge that starts in June.

Youngsters read our library books and earn prizes! That way, they keep their reading skills sharp while not in school.

The overall Challenge theme is fitness. The slogan for young children is Get on Your Mark, Get Set, READ!

For older kids the slogan is Get in the Game–READ!

For kids 10 years old and younger the kickoff will be on June 1. That day will feature two magic shows, one at 10:30 a.m. and another at 2 p.m.

Adults may register kids for the Challenge before or after both shows and receive a large goody bag for each child plus the calendar of special, free activities.

The Young Adults (YAs), tweens and teens 11 to 18 years old, will have a separate kickoff on June 2 from 6:15-7:30 p.m.

That will be the Get in the Game Supersize Party with snacks and surprises.

Beginning May 23 families can register all youngsters for the Summer Challenge online at Alabasterlibrary.org.

If registering online don’t forget to attend the kickoffs and come by the library to get the goody bag!

The Summer Challenge includes several weeks of entertaining and educational programs, prizes and surprises.

The 2016 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.

May will be an active month at the library, and we hope you’ll stop in to enjoy a program that’s right for you!

Youth Programs:

-Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. May 25 Summer Break Story Time for all ages with caregivers.

-Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. Tunes & Tales for all ages with caregivers.

-Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Toddler Tales for toddlers with caregivers.

-May 4 – May the Fourth Be with You Day, 4-5:30 p.m. This Star Wars-inspired 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: Star Wars Lego Station, Creation Station and light refreshments. 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. Program is in the meeting room.                 -May 25 – Summer Break Story Time 10:15 a.m. Start the summer off right with stories, songs, and silliness with guest story teller Miss Jane!

Adult Programs:

-Coloring – Mondays at 6 p.m. May 2, 9, 16 and 23

-American Sign Language Basics Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. May 5, 12, 19 and 26

-ABC& Ds of Medicare – May 9, 1 p.m.

-Tai Chi – Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. May 14, 21 and 28

-Book Group – May 19 at 7 p.m. I Am Malala by Malala Yousafazai

-Mobile Device Workshop – May 26, 6 p.m.