DAPHNE, Ala. — Sea turtles, taekwondo, science, theater, art and magic are among the options for Daphne children next month.

Summer reading

The summer reading program at the Daphne Public Library has events for all age groups, from babies to teens, starting June 7, and Bay Rivers Art Guild is offering art camps beginning June 14 and theater classes in July.

The library offers weekly entertainment and workshops to its reading program participants, in addition to prizes for the most avid readers in each age group.

“The whole idea is for them to read as much as possible. I am counting pages, so they can read newspapers, magazines or whatever,” said Teen Librarian Louise Youngblood.

Movie tickets, gift certificates and a photo with Mayor Fred Small are prizes on tap for the event.

Also, a planned workshop on sea turtles would address some current concerns, Youngblood said.

“The people of this area are very dedicated to the sea turtles, and I think this will be particularly timely in light of the oil spill,” she said.

Almost 50 participants have already signed up at an information desk in the library, and registration is open for all ages.

Last year’s kickoff event at the library attracted more than 350 people and organizers are expecting a similar turnout on June 7 at 10 a.m., when, in addition to the distribution of book bags and reading logs, parents and children will be able to enjoy animal circus acts and see a milking demonstration and baby wild animals. Free hot dogs and lemonade will be available. The program runs until June 29.

Story time

During the month, there will be a weekly story time for different age groups. Lap babies will hear their story at 10 a.m. each Tuesday. “Tweens,” defined as children from grades three through five, will have their group time at 1:30 p.m. on the same day.

Story time for preschoolers will be on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p:m. Kindergartners to second-graders will have their story time, at the same times on Thursdays.

Teen and junior activities

Most events for teenagers will be held at 3 p.m on Tuesdays. These include a cooking class, a taekwondo demonstration, a magic class and a chance to learn more about sea turtles. The cooking demonstration and a special two-hour science workshop on June 14 will have limited space, so advance registration is encouraged.

“Juniors” — fifth-graders and younger — have several special events including entertainment from Skip Cain “the Magic Guy” on June 14, David Stevens, a puppeteer whose work has been featured on “Sesame Street,” on June 21 and Russell Davis, also a magician, on June 28.

For further information on the program call the Daphne Library on 621-2818. The program is sponsored by The Friends of Daphne Library.

Art camp

BRAG will hold its summer art programs from June 14-18 and June 21-25. Classes will be divided by age and ability and will be available for children 4 and up.

In July, BRAG will offer six theater classes at the Immaculata Center.

Tutoring

The Knowledge Network will present summer tutoring in reading and math for first- through 12th-graders. Sessions are set for Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 8-24, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Daphne United Methodist Church, 2401 Main St.

Registration is set for June 1, 6 to 7:30 p.m. There is a waiver or reduced fee for low-income and unemployed families.

Call 251-367-2020 for more details.