NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) – With school out, many parents are wondering what they can do to keep their kids busy over the summer.

Many summer days are spent by the pool, but in Jessamine County, while the Riney-B Aquatic Center is closed, parents are worried about how they’ll prevent boredom.

It’s going to take several weeks to replace the Jessamine County pool’s main filtration pump. If you still want to be by the water, a family membership at the Loan Oak Pool costs $475, but activities at the Jessamine County library are free.

“It’s true the aquatic center offers things that we can’t offer all the time, like a chance to move your body.” said Kimber Gray, Marketing & PR Coordinator for the Jessamine County Library. “But you can move your brain, play with friends, find all sorts of really fun things to do.”

To help avoid the dreaded summer slide, the library’s annual Summer Learning Program starts Monday.

This year’s theme is “Oceans of Possibilities,” and the entire library is decorated in the underwater theme. The summer learning program will run until July 24th, with an open registration all summer long.

Each week kids, teens, or adults need to read a book or listen to an audio book for at least five hours. They can also attend a library program. If you participate, make sure to log what you did and submit it at the library or online at the end of the week.

Once you submit your log, you’ll automatically be entered to win weekly prizes. Prize winners will be randomly selected.

A Nintendo Switch, a Kindle, and a paddle board are just some of the prizes up for grabs.

However, this isn’t just a way to keep busy over the summer. It’s also a way for kids to retain knowledge and prepare for the upcoming school year.

“Summer reading opportunities and programs allow kids to express themselves, grow confidence in their own skills, and develop caring relationships with other adults, just as they may have built with their teachers during the school year,” said Gray.

Besides reading, the Jessamine County Public Library has other hobbies kids, teens, and adults can start this summer.

They can explore new skills in the “Library of Things,” such as sewing or learning the ukulele. They can also take an introductory class to use the recording studio or the creative studio.

In the recording studio, some things they can do are make YouTube videos on the green screen or create a podcast. In the creative studio, there is a 3D printer, a woodcutter, and a laser machine.

For more information, visit the library’s website at Jessamine County Public Library (jesspublib.org)