While school may be out for the summer, that doesn’t mean that children are putting down their books.

On Tuesday, the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library hosted the kickoff celebration for the annual Summer Reading Program. The theme for the event this year is “Libraries Rock,” which ECCPL Children’s Librarian Ashlee Williams said is the national theme for the year.

To start the Summer Reading Program, the young readers received a visit from Cooper’s Gem Mine and each child had the opportunity to sift for gold and gems.

The program will run from now through August 1 and will culminate with a two-day finale celebration on July 31 and August 1.

In between now and then, Williams and ECCPL Patron Services Supervisor Bernie Weese have a variety of activities planned for young readers of all ages.

Each Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the Summer Reading Program will feature special activities, crafts, games, and guests. There are programs for Preschool age, children, and teens.

Among the guest programs for the children are Roan Mountain State Park, the Elizabethton Twins, and East Tennessee Ballet Academy.

“The Birthplace of Country Music Museum is coming and their craft that day is amazing,” Williams said.

The library will also be partnering with the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department for a unique Art In The Park event this year which will be held at Edwards Island Park.

The Touch A Truck event that has proved a popular part of the Summer Reading Program will be back again this year, but the location has changed from the parking lot at the library to Cat Island Park to allow for more space.

“Plus, they can stay and have a picnic in the park when we’re done,” Williams said.

The children’s programs are held on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages and on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for preschool age children.

For the teens, Weese has several fun activities planned during the Summer Reading Program including a game night, “Oreo Obsession,” a Rock Band day, a Homestead Food Fun afternoon, and a Record Clock craft session. Teen programs are held on Tuesday afternoons at the library.

In addition to the weekly programs, the library will also help young readers keep tabs on their progress.

“They can track their reading with reading logs,” Williams said. “We’ve got some pretty cool prizes to give out.”

“We partnered with Scholastic through a literacy program this year to be able to purchase some books at a discount,” she added. “Each child will get to choose a book.”

Children can stop by the library to sign up for the reading logs for the Summer Reading Program. For a full list of programs and times, visit the library to get a calendar or follow the Elizabethton/Carter County Library Facebook page for updates.