With school out for the summer, there’s nothing better to get involved in than with the recently remodeled Albert Lea Public Library.

On Monday, the library’s children’s room will begin its Summer Reading Program, “Catch the Reading Bug!” and will continue until July 26.

“It’s fun,” said Patty Greibrok, children’s librarian. “They can come to the library — and we’re not just about reading. It’s about crafts, art and learning too.”

Greibrok said during the last bit of school, she went out to all the schools dressed up as a bumble bee to spread the word of this summer’s reading program.

She’s excited to have another fun summer, she said.

In addition to some of the special games and activities from previous years, such as Magician Jim Jayes and Library Afternoon Fun, this year there will be some new events throughout the program, like movie days on Fridays and a bug party on June 19 with a presentation by the Audubon Science Center.

Kids can register online at www.alplonline.org after they’ve signed up for a library card.

For children who read picture books or for the younger ones who have books read to them, there is the “Bee Reader” program.

After the first 10 books are read, children can get their first prize.

Then, after 10 more are read, they can get a second prize.

Finally after reading 10 more books, for a total of 30 books, they can get their third and final prize.

As the children read, they’ll record their books online. They can pick up their prize as they reach each level.

Available prizes for this age group include picture books, bug jumpers, gummy bugs, binocular necklaces, glow-in-the-dark bracelets, intertwining balls, bubble necklaces, 3-in-1 keychains and hacky sacks.

For children who read chapter books on their own, there is the “Bookworm” program.

In this program, after three books are read, children can get their first prize.

Then, after three more are read, they can get a second prize.

Finally after reading three more books, for a total of nine books, they can get their third and final prize.

Available prizes for this age group include chapter books, bug jumpers, gummy bugs, binocular necklaces, glow-in-the-dark bracelets, intertwining balls, bubble necklaces, 3-in-1 keychains and hacky sacks.

“This year we’re hoping we have just as many in attendance as previous years,” Greibrok said.

More than 100 kids have signed up so far.

She wanted to let the children and their parents know that if there’s ever a book that is not on order at the library, the librarians can order it for them.

“Kids need to find the right books for them,” Greibrok said.

In addition to the summer reading program, this summer there will be two therapy dogs, Max and Emma, who will be coming in on either Mondays from 2 to 3 p.m. or on Wednesdays from 11 to 12 each week to allow children one-on-one time reading to the dog.

Therapy dogs give children who might be struggling with reading disabilities the chance to practice their reading aloud to a dog. Children usually feel less intimidated reading to a dog than they would reading to an adult, Greibrok said.

Computer classes for adults are also being offered in June through August.

June’s class is centered on learning how to plan a vacation using online tools.

In July’s class, people will learn about where to learn new recipes and cooking techniques online, and in August, people will learn how to research medical conditions and use online tools for improved health and wellness.

Pick up a registration form from the library circulation desk.