Summer often puts people in the same places. We find ourselves at the beach, the pool or simply in our own living rooms trying to either enjoy the sun or beat the heat.

Perhaps another location we should add to the list of places we share during the summer is the library. After all, what fun is the beach, the pool or relaxing at home if we don't have a good book in hand?

This summer two local public libraries are becoming hot spots in the community. Both the Elkin Public Library and the Jonesville Public Library are offering a host of summer programs and activities.

“We have something for all ages, including adults,” said Jonesville Public Library assistant librarian Barbara Gilpin.

This year marks the first time that the Jonesville Public Library has offered a summer program for young adults. Despite being its inaugural year, Gilpin expects the new young adult program, aimed at teenagers 13 and older, to attract even more attention to the regular summer programs geared toward younger children.

With a turnout of over 150 children last summer, the Jonesville Public Library anticipates 200 students in the coming summer weeks.

Gilpin said that even the summer programs for pre-school and elementary students will be improved this year. The library's pre-school program will be headed by SmartStart worker Donna Carr. Carr's direction of the program will focus on pre-school literacy.

“[The program] is to help students and parents be aware... get parents reading to kids, teach them early reading tips and get a head start for Kindergarten,” said Gilpin.

In addition to young children and teenagers, Gilpin believes that the library will draw in a sizable group of adults.

“The library provides good opportunities for all people,” said Gilpin.

Elkin Public Library head librarian Martha Smith would agree with her colleague in Jonesville.

This summer, the Elkin Public Library is offering a variety of weekly programs for age groups from newborns to adults based on the common theme, “Water.”

For the youngest of audiences, Elkin's library will be hosting a “Book Babies” series event each Wednesday. The Elkin Public Library will also offer pre-school story times on Fridays from June 18-July 23 and school-age programs on Thursdays from June 17-July 22.

Teenagers and young adults, ages 12-18, can also expect weekly movies and events at the EPL in the “Make Waves” series.

Finally, for the young at heart, the “Water Your Mind” series is aimed at adult audiences. These events range from talks on a number subjects and fields of interest to classic films.

For more information and details on specific events, see The Tribune's Community Calendar or call the Elkin Public Library at 336-835-5586 or the Jonesville Public Library at 336-385-7604.