Library invites community to ‘READ Around the Block’ party on June 7

“READ Around the Block” will open with children’s relay races at Madison Public Library on June 7 at 8 a.m. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – To launch its 2014 summer reading program, Madison Public Library invites the community to “READ Around the Block,” a family block party on June 7.

This annual kick-off for activities in summertime reading will open at 8 a.m. with relay races for children. Youngsters will divide into their age groups for short track events to inspire families to exercise together.

“In honor of the library’s birthday, we will serve birthday cake at 9 a.m.,” library programming clerk Teresa Allison said. “We will have an exhibit of big trucks for children to explore. Come and see a fire truck, school bus, trash truck, dump truck, backhoe and more.”

WZYP Radio will attend the block party with their ‘boom-box’ truck and celebrate the event with upbeat music.

At 10 a.m., staff members from Animal Tales will present a program with live animals. “You don’t want to miss this exciting opportunity,” Allison said.

“As part of the celebration, this year we will host our Parenting Health Fair from 9 to 11 a.m.,” she said. Representatives from Walgreen’s, Alabama Pediatric Dental Associates, Madison Hospital, Madison City Schools and other agencies will be available to answer questions about services available in the Madison community.

In conjunction with “READ Around the Block,” LifeSouth Community Blood Centers will conduct a blood drive at the library from 9 to 11 a.m. LifeSouth urges residents to “Do something amazing — Donate Blood.”

LifeSouth will serve refreshments to individuals who donate blood.

Madison Public Library’s address is 130 Plaza Blvd. For more information, call 256-461-0046 or visit hmcpl.org/madison.