LIVINGSTON-As the end of summer approaches, the Ruby Pickens Tartt Library in Livingston prepares for the final week of its summer reading program.

Like most Alabama libraries, the Sumter County library participated in the Funtastic Reading Program.

“We let kids sign up in June,” Margie Hutcherson, head librarian, said. “This Friday we will have a magician com e to wrap up the program.”

Hutcherson said this year was better in comparison to last year’s summer reading program. In 2004, Hutcherson said they began the summer with the week of activities and children didn’t come back after that.

This year, the summer began with weeks of reading and will end with a week of activities.

Hutcherson said the library rooms are decorated with circus characters to complement the program’s circus theme.

“We have about 50 children taking part,” she said. “And the Board of Education had a summer enrichment program, so they brought about 50 children to read with us.”

Monday, the children were split into two groups, according to age, to do arts and craft projects.

Hutcherson estimates to give100 children certificates for completion of the summer reading program.

As for fall activities, Hutcherson said there probably won’t be many activities.

“I’d love to, but I don’t have a children’s librarian to do things in the fall. I hope to get that in the budget.”