With summer in full swing, children are out of school and looking for something to do. The Bay Minette Library has just the program for them.

It’s called “Get a Clue,” a nationwide reading program with a unique Bay Minette twist.

In addition to encouraging kids to read all summer, there’s a full list of entertainers and authors set to perform and read every Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the Bay Minette City Council chambers.

“We’re just trying to get people to come to the library,” said Joanna Bailey, Bay Minette library director.

The first act was Skip “the Magic Guy” Cain June 5.

Nearly 100 children of all ages and parents stopped by to see the balloon blowing and ring tossing spectacle. Cain started the show by blowing a balloon and letting it fly all around the kids’ heads.

“Whoa!” came the harmonious response.

“Want me to do that again?”

“Yeah!” shouted the crowd.

He did and they were struck with giddiness.

Then there were assistants called up and more tricks. The laughter and excitement lasted until the show ended.

“We won’t have any magic books after today,” said Nancy Fitzgerald, summer reading director.

The kids don’t hesitate. Some make a mad dash for the book shelves as soon as it’s over.

“It’s unbelievable how many books are checked out right afterward,” Bailey said.

That’s the point. They want the kids reading, and it’s no wonder they picked a topic many kids dream about: magic.

“The point of it is to get them reading something about magic or whatever,” Fitzgerald said.

The Swartzendrubers have travelled from Atmore to catch the Bay Minette summer reading program since hurricane Ivan destroyed their library in 2004.

“We all really like the shows here,” said Debbie Swartzendruber, mother of four. “We don’t make it to every one but we stop in when we can.”

They didn’t need to stop by the library afterwards, however; they went early before the show. Twelve-year-old William and 8-year-old Kaylynn stocked up on mysteries, while 10-year-old Austin and 14-year-old Christian have their specific stories they searched out.

Once the kids read the books, all they need is a parent or librarian to sign their “Get a Clue” logs and they get free stuff.

Taco Bell will give a free taco and cinnamon twists to any kid with 10 books on his list. Barnes and Nobles will hand out a “Magic Treehouse” book per eight books during the summer.

Also, the library has set aside a prize for the child who reads the most books, but they won’t reveal what it is until the end of summer.