This summer an ocean of fun is planned for kids and families at Southern Pines Public Library. “Make a Splash — READ!” is the summer reading program theme for rising kindergarten through fourth-graders and “Make Waves @ Your Library” will be offered for rising fifth- through eighth-graders.

Summer Reading will officially kick off at the First Friday event in downtown Southern Pines on Friday, June 4. Library staff will be on hand to promote Summer Reading and register participants beginning at 5 p.m.

As part of the summer reading program students set their own goals for the number of age-appropriate books they would like to read between June 1 and Aug. 20. Audio books and books that are read to them also count. Everyone who meets their goal and turns in their reading records by Aug. 20 will receive prize bags that will include a coupon for a free paperback book from The Country Bookshop.

In addition to setting personal reading goals, kids and families may attend any of the free programs being offered at the library this summer, including Family Fun Nights, Sunday Afternoon at the Movies, Preschool Storytimes and Children’s Book Clubs.

“The library is offering these special evening programs so that working parents or kids in year-round school may also attend,” said a library spokesperson. “They’re a wonderful way to spend quality time with your child or grandchild.”

On Wednesday, June 16, at 5:30 p.m., Flow Circus will provide amazing juggling, mystifying magic and comedy appropriate for the whole family.

The fun continues on Wednesday, July 14, at 5:30 p.m. as none other than Blackbeard drops anchor at the library. Meet the most infamous pirate of them all and learn why the legend of this notorious swashbuckler has lived on.

On Sunday, July 25, at 2:30 p.m. the library will have a special screening of the animated feature “Surf’s Up.” Go behind the scenes of the high-octane world of competitive penguin surfing while enjoying this PG-rated film.

The final Family Fun Night will be an end-of-summer luau held Thursday, Aug. 5, at 5:30 p.m. Face-painting, balloon sculptures and other fun activities are planned for this event.

Summer is also a time for the littlest guppies to make a splash at the library. Summer Storytimes for children ages 5 and under will be held on the following Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m.: June 9, July 21 and Aug. 11.

Summer Book Clubs

Do you know someone who enjoys a whale of a good book? If so, they may want to consider joining one of the library’s summer book clubs. The book clubs are a fun way for kids to put an extra focus on their summer reading as well as an opportunity for them to interact with other dedicated readers.

When registering for summer reading, those who want to make an extra commitment may choose to sign up for either The Book Bunch (a book club for grades K-4) or The Band of Bookies (a book club for grades 5-8). Space is limited to 30 club members so preregistration is suggested.

The Book Clubs will meet three times during the summer for fun activities and to discuss and recommend good books. The Book Bunch (grades K-4) meets on June 17, July 15 and Aug. 19. The Band of Bookies (grades 5-8) meets June 24, July 22 and Aug. 12.

Kids who join the clubs and who — in addition to meeting their personal summer reading goal — attend two of the three programs will be awarded a special prize.

All of the summer reading programs are made possible through funding by the Friends of the Library and through the support of The Country Bookshop and The Jefferson Inn.

For more information, visit www.sppl.net or call (910) 692-8235.