The Demopolis Public Library is allowing children to meet heroes and explore the fundamentals of reading at the same time.

The library’s summer reading program will begin June 1. The program’s theme “Every Hero has a Story” will introduce participants to real-life heroes and books.

Children’s librarian Kathy Owings will participate in the summer reading program for the first time. She said she’s excited and the library has been planning the program for months.

“I’m looking forward to having a lot of kids up here checking out books and using the summer to utilize the library,” she said.

Boredom might not rest on the minds of participants, as they will have plenty to do in the program. Children will be exposed to reptiles, magic and much more, all in the name of reading.

The theme will hopefully rest in the minds of attendees, as they recognize actual heroes, children library assistant Sandra Dickie said. She said there’s plenty for them to enjoy.

“I think they’re going to enjoy all of them( activities),” she said. “It probably depends on what they’re interested in. Usually Lew E the Clown and the reptiles are their favorites.”

Making reading enjoyable and fun is the goal of the program, she said. Dickie said some of the activities and books will help children build skills and not concentrate so much on reading programs like Accelerated Reader.

“It [the program] keeps them reading through the summer,” she said. “Those who usually don’t enjoy reading during the school year enjoy participating in this because for every book they read, we give out little prizes.”

Dickie said even if children can’t leave home for a vacation, they can jump into a book and travel the world.

Registration for the program will end June 12.

The fun begins May 28 with a celebration to kick off the reading initiative at 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Live music will be featured and food will be served. The day will also be a time for attendees to register children for the program.

On June 1, Lew E the Clown will make an appearance at 2 p.m. Children of all ages are encouraged to attend the performance.

Illustrator Michael P. White will be in attendance June 2 at 3 p.m. to teach the audience how authors and illustrators work together to create stories. He will bring together writing, shapes, storytelling and imagination at the event. The informative program is open to both adults and children.

The movie “Big Hero 6” will be shown June 5 at 2 p.m. Free popcorn will be served.

Policemen will stop by the library on June 9 at 3 p.m. to meet K-9 Taz of the 17th Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force.

Officers will also discuss their careers and duties as policemen.

The fire department will drop in June 11 at 3 p.m. to discuss fire safety and to show participants equipment used on fired trucks.

Brandon Smith and the Black Belt Retrievers will be on hand June 16 at 3 p.m. to display the skills of the dogs.

On June 18 at 3 p.m. Am Star Ambulance service will bring their medical equipment and ambulance to the library for story time. Participants will find out what goes into saving lives.

Snakes and other reptiles will slither into the library June 22 at 3 p.m. Attendees will learn how to identify poisonous and non-poisonous snakes.

In addition, information about updated first aid treatment for snakebites will be offered. Individuals of all ages are invited to attend.

Demopolis Middle School’s Robotics team will bring in their robots and explain how they are utilized June 23 at 3 p.m. They will also conduct a S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering and math) activity.

A Magic show put on by Russell Davis will be June 25 at 10 a.m.

Live exotic wildlife will be featured June 29 at 3 p.m. in an event titled “Animal Avengers.” Animals from across the globe will be exhibited.

Reading awards and the winner of a Kindle Fire will be announced June 30 at 3 p.m. Patrick George “The Professor” will help participants create their own super heroes.