ROBERTSDALE, Alabama — The Summer Reading Program is now under construction at the Robertsdale Public Library.

Library Director Cynthia Nall and staff welcomed boys and girls ages 3 to 12 to register and kick off the annual event from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, June 1 with free ice cream, a petting zoo and lots of activities centered around this year’s theme, “Build A Better World, Read!”

Every year, the program runs through the entire month of June with events scheduled daily every Monday through Thursday. An estimated 200 to 300 participate in the program every year.

Back by popular demand this year is the library’s “Reading With Nayla” program in which children are invited to read to the library’s resident Golden Retriever. This year, Nayla will be joined by her canine friend Spencer.

Readings can be scheduled at 20-minute intervals from 1 to 4 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Children must sign up ahead of time for this program. For more information contact the library at 251-947-8960.

Every Tuesday at 10 a.m. a representative with the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo will bring a different animal. All ages are welcome.

Story hour will be held every Monday and Thursday at the library at 10 a.m. Mondays’ story hour is open to 3- and 4-year-olds; Thursday’s story hour is open to 5- to 7-year-olds. All participants will enjoy a story hour with crafts and puppet shows.

Every Wednesday beginning at 10 a.m. the program will play host to performers at the PZK Hall on Alabama 104.

Scheduled events include:

• June 14: Animal Tales – Nature’s Olympians.

• June 21: Freedom Ranch – raptors.

• June 28: Charlie Williams, The Noise Guy – music, sounds and silliness.

Special events will be held beginning at 2 p.m. every Thursday at the library including:

• June 8: Picnic with Minnie and Mickey – Visit with Mickey and Minnie and enjoy snacks and stories.

• June 15: TBA

• June 22: TBA

• June 28: Luau – real Hawaiian dancers. Wear you favorite luau attire and enjoy crafts and food.

Additional events will include a birthday party for Nayla and an event featuring the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office. Check back with the library for the specific dates.

Every Tuesday at 1 p.m. the library will host local programing for 8- to 12-year-olds featuring games, races and food fun.

For more information on this and other activities, contact the library, 251-947-8960.