VALLEY — Summer is almost here and with it comes a myriad of free events and programs hosted by Bradshaw-Chambers County Library Summer Reading Program. Registration for the programs began last Friday, and according to Library Director Mary Hamilton, 300 area children registered within the first day.

The kickoff event will be held on the Bradshaw Library lawn this Saturday, June 2, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

“The Summer Library Celebration is the first of more than 70 programs planned for the summer,” said assistant library director Tabitha Truitt.  “We invite you to come see magic shows, marvel at the jugglers, and laugh with Lew-E the Clown. You can see science experiments first hand with mad scientist, Doc Atoms.”

Snow cones and hot dogs will be served to event attendees enjoying attractions like pony rides, visits with Patches and Sparky from the East Alabama Fire District and face painting. Summer readers will also have the opportunity to sign up for events that are part of the Sylvia Word McCollough Summer Reading Program, which incentivizes reading with earnable prizes.

All programs are there to get kids into — and get books out of — the library throughout the summer.

“We enjoy seeing the kids here having a good time at the library,” Hamilton said. “We want the kids to grow up and when they become adults, feel like the library is a place you go because you enjoy it, not because you have to do an assignment or have to read a book.”

Performer programs will take place throughout the summer, starting with Lew-E the Clown and his Laugh Factory on June 5. No registration or entry fee is required, and performances will be held at Bradshaw Library at 10:30 a.m. and LaFayette Library at 1 p.m.

Other events include Snakes-R-Us on Thursday, June 7 and Freedom Ranch Animal Program, an organization owned and operated by Valley natives Krissy and Mindy Hamilton, on June 19. Tommy John’s Magic Show will take place on June 21, followed by ATS Magic on the 26th.

On July 12, a sing-along version of  “The Greatest Showman” will be shown at Bradshaw Library, followed by “Black Panther” on July 19. Both films will start at 7 p.m.

“Our hope is that every child in the community will have someone in their lives who can bring them to the library to participate this summer,” Hamilton said.