For many children, summer break has begun. However, reading and learning can continue throughout the weeks of summer. Local libraries are here to help with keeping kids — and adults — engaged with reading and other fun yet educational activities.

The theme for summer reading at many public libraries this year is “Color Our World.” Yes, the world is much more colorful when enjoying a good book. All around the county, libraries are gearing up for the summer programs and activities. Be sure to check out your local library’s website or social media pages. Here are just a few ideas.

The Orem Public Library has a full calendar of ideas for kids. Beginning June 10, their summer story times will begin. The library holds story times for toddlers, preschool-aged kids, bilingual kids, older children and bouncing babies.

Book Club for kids in fourth through sixth grades will be held on June 11 at 7 p.m. This month’s book is “The Calder Game” by Blue Balliett. The monthly Big Kid Adventures event is held on each third Wednesday. The event focuses on literacy, but participants will also make discoveries through playful activities.

That’s not all! Check out library.orem.gov for more information about these and other fun summer library activities. Some of them require registration.

On June 2, Provo City Library is holding a Summer Reading Kickoff from 4 to 6 p.m. Everyone in the family is invited to this fun event, which will kick off the library’s summer reading program. Celebrate summer with cool games and, of course, reading. For more information, visit provolibrary.gov.

A Summer Math Camp is being held at Springville’s library. The camp is for kids in sixth through eighth grades and will be held on June 10, July 8 and Aug. 5 at 11 a.m. For more information, visit springville.org/library/.

Pleasant Grove Library’s summer reading program begins on June 4 with a kick-off party at the library from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Many other programs will be available throughout the summer, including a new Library Camp for ages 7 to 9. The camp will have opportunities to learn a little history, geography and music as well as create art, taste new foods, play new games from all across the globe and find new friends.

According to Stacy Martineau, Pleasant Grove’s library program coordinator, the Monday Family Night at the Library program has a terrific line up of events.

“Magician Jason Fun, stained glass artist Rosie Linebaugh of Linebaugh Studios, six-time world champion Maestra Julie Seal of Valkyrie Fencing Club, Tim Humphrey of Adonis Bronze, Dr. Craig Moore from UVU and our own Emily Hammerstad are all coming to share their talents and give us hands-on experience. Expect explosions, art projects and jaw-dropping magic,” she said. For more information, visit pgcityutah.gov/departments/library/index.php.

These are just a few examples of ways that libraries engage the community, including children, with enriching activities that encourage learning. For many kids, summer break is a time when they experience less connections to other people. These activities are a great way to foster more connections while learning and having fun.

Of course, reading and checking out books aren’t the only reasons we need to be at the library. Reading by the pool, in the backyard, while camping or just while relaxing around the house sound like peaceful and joyful ways to spend time during this summer break. But public libraries are much more than books and reading. They truly do make the world more colorful.