The 2011 Summer Reading Program is under way at both Effingham branches of Live Oak Public Libraries through Aug. 19. This year’s theme is “One World, Many Stories.” The annual program is for ages 0 to 18 and helps maintain or increase reading levels over the long school break.

Participants may read or be read to by others. All types of reading materials qualify for their participation in the program and a library card ensures that they will never run out of reading material.

This year’s program incentives are better than ever. After a child logs 15 hours of reading, he or she is eligible for $80 worth of coupons good at area food, entertainment, and educational/cultural venues, and a voucher for a free book from Barnes & Noble.

If children continue to read and log another 15 hours (or 30 hours total), they are eligible to enter a drawing to win a family getaway to Atlanta. The package includes a two-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta as well as tickets for two adults and two children to the Fernbank Museum, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola and Zoo Atlanta.

Children who complete 45 hours of reading this summer will be eligible for a VIP Readers Pass to this year’s 2011 Savannah Children’s Book Festival on Saturday, Nov. 19 in Forsyth Park. When they attend the festival in the fall, each child will receive a VIP Readers gift bag.

At each level (15, 30 and 45 hours), children will also receive an entry form for a chance to win a $100 Savannah Mall gift card.

Throughout the summer, a variety of special performers are scheduled at the library branches. These include the Pint Size Polkas, Fiddlin’ Dan, Chad Crews, Curious Moon Puppet Theatre, The Hampstead Players and J’miah Nabawi.

For Summer Reading Program schedules and more information visit www.liveoakpl.org.