Dr. Seuss said the more you read, the more things you will know, which is what libraries across the nation are always trying to get kids to do.

Efforts continue soon with local summer reading programs, which are an effort on the part of libraries to get kids reading. It is a statewide program, with libraries in Warrior, Fultondale and Gardendale hosting it in the north Jefferson area.

The main focus  is to get children (toddlers through grade 12) to read a certain amount of books for prizes or rewards. Each library has its own reward system for kids who take part in the program.

At the Fultondale Public Library, librarians Brooke Garret and Jessica Allen said that for every 10 books that a child reads, he will receive a prize. The prizes are paid for by the city.

“Our city’s very good to us,” said Garret. “They give us a very generous budget for our summer reading program.”

As the library’s basement is unavailable for use, the activities will take place at the BSDA Dance hall, which is located across the street from the library. The program will began on June 6. On July 18, the librarians will put on the End of the Summer Reading Bash and will serve food and drinks for the kids.

The summer reading program kicked off at the Gardendale-Martha Moore Public Library last week. Kids get rewards for every 100 pages they read. Gardendale’s program will finish on July 24.

Professional storytellers will make an appearance as will Cowboy Bruce, who does rope tricks and will appear at the Gardendale Civic Center on June 20.

“So far, it’s a good indication that we had a great turnout yesterday for our opening day,” said Lucy Siddiqui, who is Youth Services librarian at Gardendale. “The kids had face painting and coloring and painting and a performer. And we had milk and cookies. It was a good turnout. So if that’s any indication, I think it’s going to be a great summer.”

The Evelyn Thornton Library in Warrior will have kids keep a reading log for summer reading. Kids get prizes for keeping logs.

“We expect to have a really good turn out,” said Cassie Johnson, librarian at Evelyn Thornton. “We’ve scheduled a lot of new performers this year, so we’re really excited about that.”

Warrior’s program kicked off on Tuesday and will last until July 12 with a trip to Rickwood Caverns for a picnic.

In addition to reading, there will be entertainment for kids at each of the libraries, which include magicians, animal shows, musicians, performance artists and field trips.

Chick-fil-A and Whataburger have donated free coupons to the librariess and will be given to children as prizes.