Children attending Red Bay’s summer reading program at the Weatherford Library this summer have been keeping busy each week.

For library director Linda Ezzell, it’s been an experience she describes as fun and educational, made possible thanks in part to a grant awarded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.

She said the funds allowed the library to purchase several new books, as well as craft supplies, which the library helped the children make use of over the course of the summer.

In addition, Steve Burgess with Maynard Magic Music visited and performed his show, which included magic, music, balloons and ventriloquism.

“He was very entertaining,” said Ezzell, “and the kids loved that he let them be involved in parts of the show.”

“We also played reading Bingo,” added Ezzell, “and every time a child completed five squares, they could pick a prize from the treasure box. We also held a story hour each week.”

Harper Garrison received special recognition, winning an Amazon Fire tablet for reading 50 books over the course of the summer reading program.

Ezzell said at the end of the program, everyone received a prize, free book and a one-day free pass to the Red Bay Water Park.

“We thank all the parents for letting their children participate,” she added. “We are always looking for ways to encourage them to read.”