Illustration. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Parents looking for ways to keep their kids busy this summer can take advantage of several reading programs in our area.

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library will host programs at each branch. Children will read 10 books and teenagers will read five. All programs are free of charge. Kids will receive a reading log to track their progress and there will be certificates for those who reach their goals. There will also be a drawing for prizes, AFPLS says.

There will be a program kickoff at the Kirkwood branch on June 9, from 12 pm to 2 pm. The Kirkwood branch of the public library is located at 11 Kirkwood Road in Atlanta.

“Children, teens and adults will be able to sign up for Summer Reading Program,” AFPLS says. “Children can also learn about fire safety, enjoy story time and craft activities. Come on out and spark a reaction through literary elements for a Fizz, Booming summer of reading!”

To learn more, click here.

DeKalb County Public Library will have its 2014 Vacation Reading Program Kick-off on Saturday, May 31, from 10 am to 11:30 am at the Decatur branch. There are programs for ages 2 through 17.

“Fizz, Boom, Read is for children ages 3-12,” the DeKalb Library says. “Sign up at any branch and receive a reading log, bookmark and sticker. Or, sign up online and print out a reading log, then bring your reading log to the library to receive your bookmark and sticker. Earn raffle tickets for hours read/and or literacy activities completed.”

Your kids can redeem those raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes including, “a Kindle Fire HD, a backpack of school supplies, gift cards, tickets to the World of Coca Cola, Imagine It Children’s Museum, Center For Puppetry Arts or a children’s concert with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.”

To learn more, click here.

Little Shop of Stories in Decatur held the kickoff party for its reading program on May 16, but will hold sign up throughout the summer. The program is available to kids age 12 and under. The program encourages kids to spend more than 40 hours reading “anything you want.”

There will be prizes, naturally, including “Coupons for free goodies from Revolution Doughnuts, Greene’s Fine Foods, and the Yogurt Tap for every 10 hours you read (for the first 30 hours).”

For more information, click here.