The Albert Lea Public Library is urging kids to make a splash this summer — and read.

The library launches its summer reading program Monday. This year’s theme is “Make a Splash — Read.” In addition to offering incentives for reading, the library will also host a number of creative activities in which kids can take part.

But the real idea behind the program is to keep kids reading.

“I tell the kids that just like you feed your body, you have to feed your mind,” Patty Greibrok, children’s librarian, said.

Kids will be eligible for incentive prizes for reading between June 7 and July 25.

Kids who read picture books or have books read to them will read five books for their first prize, five books for their second prize and five books for their third and final prize, which is a book.

Kids who read chapter books will read two chapter books for their first prize, two for their second prize and two for their third prize — also a book.

To sign up, go to www.alplonline.org. Click on the summer reading link. Choose the program depending on reading level. Click “sign up.” Fill in the required fields. Click “continue.” Activate membership by calling or visiting the library.

Kids can start reading and recording books on Monday. They’ll need to login with their library card numbers and password, click on their names and click “record activity.” After that, they will type in the title, author and ISBN number of the book and click save.

Library hours are from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

After each level is completed, the kids stop by the library to redeem their prizes.

The children’s librarian said anyone who needs help signing up can call the children’s library at 377-4356 or stop by. “As long as they have a library card, they can sign up over the phone,” she said. “If a day care wants to take part, we can do it for the whole group. We understand it’s not always possible to get to the library.”

Anyone without access to the Internet may bring in a list of books they’ve read and the library staff will enter them, the librarian said.

Thursdays will be special event days at the library.

The events are as follows:

June 10: Magician Jim Jayes shows at 2 and 3 p.m.

June 17: Pirate Tales at 2 and 3 p.m.

June 24: MOA Underwater Adventure at 2 and 3 p.m.

July 1: Red, White and Blue Party at 2 p.m.

July 8: Okee Dokee Brothers at 2 and 3 p.m.

July 15: Bingo at 2 p.m.

July 22: Zoo-man at 2 and 3 p.m.

Storytimes continue at 10:30 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. There will be evening storytime Thursdays at 6 p.m.

L.A.F. (Library Afternoon Fun) will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesdays. There will be arts, crafts and games.

Art Zones Studio will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays.

Movie day is Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

All events are free of charge.

The summer reading program is sponsored by the Albert Lea Friends of the Library.