This summer children of all ages can explore the world through reading at Southern Pines Public Library.

“One World, Many Stories” is the 2011 summer reading program theme for rising kindergarten through fifth-graders, and “You Are Here” will be offered for rising sixth- through eighth-graders. Registration is now open.

Traveling is a great way to experience and learn new things. Of course, times being what they are, many children cannot afford to go to Brazil or Tanzania, or even across the country. But by participating in “One World, Many Stories” and “You Are Here,” children may expand their horizons while reading about other places, listening to others who have traveled or lived abroad, and enjoying the music, dances and games of other cultures.

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. 19. Audio books and books that are read to them also count. Everyone who meets their goal and turns in their reading records by Aug. 19 will receive prize bags.

Children and families may also wish to attend any of the free programs — which include family fun nights, Sunday afternoon at the movies, preschool storytimes, and children’s book clubs — that the library is offering.

Preschool storytimes for children ages 5 and under will be held on the following Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m: June 8, July 13 and Aug. 3.

Family Fun

On Tuesday, June 14, at 11 a.m., the Amazing Steve Somers will use magic tricks, puppets, stories and music to take readers on a magical journey around the world. This gives children a chance to visit faraway places, meet interesting characters, and learn about diverse cultures all while discovering great books.

The fun continues on Thursday, July 14, at 5:30 p.m. as Action Animals USA prowl into at the library. Meet a monkey, chance upon a chinchilla, and salute a serval cat at this free event.

On Sunday, July 24, at 2:30 p.m., the library will have a ­special showing of “The Karate Kid.” This PG-rated film concerns a young boy, recently moved to Beijing with his mother, who learns to stand up for himself with the help of his martial arts mentor. Beat the heat and enjoy free refreshments with your family while watching the big screen.

The final Family Fun Night will be a drumming circle held Thursday, Aug. 18, at 5:30 p.m. Experience the culture of Africa and learn basic rhythms on djembe and dundun drums in this workshop led by The Healing Force of Winston-Salem

Summer Book Clubs

When registering for summer reading, those who want to make an extra commitment may choose to sign up for Reading Rabbits (a book club for grades K-2), The Book Bunch (a book club for grades 3-5) or The Band of Bookies (a book club for grades 6-8). Space is limited to 30 club members, so preregistration is suggested.

The book clubs are a fun way for kids to put an extra focus on their summer reading as well as an opportunity to interact with other dedicated readers. The book clubs will meet three times during the summer for fun activities and to discuss and recommend good books.

Reading Rabbits (grades K-2) will meet at 11 a.m. on the following Thursdays: June 16, July 21 and Aug. 11. The Book Bunch (grades 3-5) will meet on the following Tuesdays at 11 a.m.: June 21, July 19 and Aug. 9. The Band of Bookies (grades 6-8) will meet at 11 a.m. on the following Wednes-days: June 15, July 20 and Aug. 10.

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 by the Friends of the Library. For more information, visit www.sppl.net or call (910) 692-8235.