Summer is here, and that means that the Luverne Public Library is again offering kids of all ages a way to pass the days through the Summer Reading Program.

This year’s program theme is “One World, Many Stories,” and throughout the month of June, the library staff will be exploring different cultures.

“We’re going to read stories from different countries and also do some crafts,” said library director Kathryn Tomlin. “We’ll be doing things related to Egypt, Mexico, Japan, the American Indians, and more.”

Last year, Tomlin said the summer reading program was a “huge success,” and she expects a large crowd this year.

Different age groups have a different day of the week, and the schedule is as follows: For ages 3-5, Tuesdays (June 7,14,21,28) from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.; ages 9-12, Wednesdays (June 8,15,22,29) from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.; ages 6-8, Thursdays (June 9,16,23,30) from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

“We’ll also be having a number of programs for all ages,” Tomlin said.

On Friday, June 10 at 1 p.m., Blue Bell Ice Cream will present a program on how ice cream is made, and on Monday, June 20 at 10 a.m., there will be a presentation on Korean culture.

Tommy James will be on hand on Friday, June 24 at 10 a.m. to perform his magic show.

No registration is required for the Summer Reading Program, and all events are free.

Tomlin said the event has been greatly helped by the support of the Luverne Rotary Club, which has sponsored the program with a donation of $800.

“Besides the Rotary Club, local grocery stores have also helped out with donations and supplies,” she said.

Despite the Summer Reading Program being geared toward younger students, older students aren’t being left out.

For the second year, the library will be offering a Teen Book Club for those in grades 7-12.

“We’re going to do things a little differently from last year,” said assistant library director Regina Grayson. “We’re going to have t-shirts this year, for one thing.”

The Club meets throughout June and July on Mondays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., and registration is required.

There will be craft days for teens on Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., but those don’t require registration.

Among the books being considered for the Teen Book Club are “Forged by Fire,” “The First Part Last,” and “Tears of a Tiger,” among others.

For more information about any of these programs, call the library at 335-5326.