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PAST NEWS ARCHIVE
July 25, 2001
Contact: Patricia Fraga, Austin Public Library, (512) 974-7528
Fax: (512) 974-7442

Austin Public Library Wraps up Successful Summer Reading Program

Over 10,000 youths participated in APL's To the Library and Beyond! Summer Reading Program. The program began on June 4 and ended on July 20. Over 150 special events took place during the seven-week program-events like the Buffalo Soldiers, giving kids the opportunity to ride horses and learn about the Civil War; the Schoolhouse Safari, in which the presenter brought different animals and sang songs with the kids; a fantastic demonstration by Central Texas Kung Fu Exchange, where kids had the opportunity to see masters at work; and the Austin Fire Department presentation, a huge hit whose highlight was the tour of the fire truck.

Parents and children had a fun-filled summer reading and participating in these activities. Here are comments from happy mom and dads:

"My grandchildren have never had such a fun and educational summer!" "The programs have been special. That Buffalo Soldier program was great, the kids loved riding the horses." "My child really learned how to use the library this summer because of the reading club! He also learned how to ask questions without being afraid. Thank you for a great program." "Thank you for letting us know about the programs, we have enjoyed them all."

Kids were encouraged to read and choose books of their choice, and special incentives were offered to youth finishing various levels of the reading game. For the Mission Complete incentive, which involved 7 to 13 hours of reading, kids were given t-shirt transfers and story time cassettes. Other prize incentives were given along the way to encourage continued participation. The primary purpose of the program is to encourage children to maintain and improve their reading skills during the summer months.

Many thanks to APL's sponsors without whose participation Austin would not have had a free and exciting summer reading program: The Friends of the Austin Public Library, Papa John's Pizza, and Candlewick Press.

Plans are already in the making for a bigger and better 2002 Summer Reading Program. The Library would like to increase the number of events next year; if you are interested in sponsoring an event or would like additional information about the Summer Reading Program, please call Jeanette Larson, Youth Services Manager, at (512) 974-7405.

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