Summer’s always the best time to get lost in a good book, isn’t it?

Whether your children are blazing through their required reading lists or seeking out new books on their own, having all day and night to read at leisure is truly one of the gifts we take for granted when we’re young.

But they won’t be young forever, will they?

That’s why CollegeCounts 529 has partnered once again with libraries throughout Alabama to bring you our Summer Reading Program!

We sent packets of career cards to all participating libraries that are designed to help your children learn more about common professions. Each card is filled with information and activities related to careers like doctors, teachers, carpenters, engineers, pilots, computer programmers, or more. And when your children find a career (or three!) that interests them, they can bring these cards to the librarian and check out a few recommended books related to that field. Pretty neat, right?

Here at the libraries that are participating in this year’s program:

• Auburn Public Library – Auburn, AL
• Autauga-Prattville Public Library – Prattville, AL
• Columbiana Public Library – Columbiana, AL
• Daphne Public Library – Daphne, AL
• Dothan Library – Dothan, AL
• E.L. Lowder Regional Library – Montgomery, AL
• Earl A. Rainwater Memorial Library – Childersburg, AL
• Emmet O’Neal Library – Mountain Brook, AL
• Enterprise Public Library – Enterprise, AL
• Foley Public Library – Foley, AL
• Gardendale Public Library – Gardendale, AL
• Homewood Public Library – Homewood, AL
• Mamie’s Place Children’s Library – Alexander City, AL
• Town Creek Public Library – Town Creek, AL

A special thanks as well to the Andalusia Public Library and the Demopolis Public Library for inviting CollegeCounts 529 representatives to speak to parents during special events, and to the Gardendale Public Library for having us involved in their Career Day!

If your library is on this list, swing by sometime this summer and pick up a pack of CollegeCounts career cards and let you children begin dreaming about what they want to be when they grow up. And if your library isn’t on the list, give them a call and let them know that you’d love to have them participate next year!

And most of all, parents, we hope you’re enjoying this Alabama summer with your little ones. This is the best season to create priceless memories with your family. Just make sure you wear sunscreen!