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PAST NEWS ARCHIVE
May 3, 2001
Contact: Patricia Fraga, Austin Public Library, (512) 974-7528
Fax: (512) 974-7442
or Anita Rizley, Youth Program Coordinator, (512) 974-7465

"To the Library and Beyond!"
2001 Summer Reading Program to begin at
Austin Public Library

For more than 25 years, the Austin Public Library has provided an annual reading program for Austin youth of all ages. Each year the Austin Public Library provides programs and activities for thousands of youth throughout the summer. The 2001 program theme will be "To the Library and Beyond!" The seven-week program begins on Monday, June 4, and ends on Friday, July 20.

The primary purpose of the program is to encourage children to maintain and improve their reading skills during the summer months when school is not in session. Children and young adults are encouraged to visit the John Henry Faulk Central Library or any one of 19 neighborhood branch libraries and register for the program. Children will receive incentives for reaching the Mission Complete portion of the program. Children who do not read may take part by being read to.

Studies have shown that reading over the summer vacation is the single most important activity that helps children retain their reading skills over the school break. Additionally, summer reading programs in the public library offer a unique and wonderful opportunity for parents to demonstrate that reading is important. Summer offers kids the freedom to choose books they enjoy and to read them without regard for grades, tests, book reports, or class assignments. Free choice reading has been shown to be the most effective bridge from low levels of reading ability and higher levels, and summer reading programs encourage free choice. Austin Public Library encourages children to read and count the time spent reading.

The Austin Public Library Youth Services mascot "Echo" the Bat presents over 150 free special event programs for Austin youth during June and July.

The following branches will hold Summer Reading Program kickoff parties: Old Quarry Branch—June 1, Friday at 2:00 p.m.; Manchaca Road Branch—June 6, Wednesday at 2:15 p.m.; Terrazas Branch—June 7, Thursday at 3:30 p.m.; and Cepeda Branch—June 5, Tuesday at 1:00 p.m.

The following branches will hold mid-summer celebrations: Oak Springs Branch—June 16, Saturday at 1:00 p.m.; Windsor Park Branch—June 30, Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

The following branches will hold finales for the Summer Reading Program: Pleasant Hill Branch—July 14, Saturday at 10:00 a.m.; Twin Oaks Branch—July 20, Friday at 10:30 a.m.; Milwood Branch—July 21, Saturday at 10:30 a.m.; Howson Branch—July 25, Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.; Spicewood Springs Branch—July 27, Friday at 7:00 p.m.

Storytimes will be offered, as well as puppet shows, animal shows, magic shows, and safety presentations. All Library youth services are free, including the Youth Star Card for Kids and Wired for Youth computer centers for youth ages 18 and under. Visit the Library for videos, CD-ROMs, Internet computers, magazines, music, special programs, and don't forget books!

For more information about youth programs, call (512) 974-7465 or visit your neighborhood Library.

Visit the Library's Web site at http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/library/ for information about Austin Public Library services systemwide.

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