Friday, September 13, 2024
AZLE — The Azle Memorial Library celebrated the end of its summer reading program Aug. 1 with a popsicle party, petting zoo and participation from the Azle Police and Fire Departments. Each summer the library challenges kids, teens and adults to log their reading hours to earn prizes and entry into the adult and youth finale parties. While all ages are encouraged to read, library staff say it’s especially important to incentivize reading for kids while they’re away from school.
“I got to personally see the benefits,” children’s services librarian Ava Bryant said. “I definitely think that it's helped bridge the gap between their school and the summer slide and keeps them reading. For the younger kids that are not reading yet, their parents are reading to them. I know that we had a lot of that. We have good attendance for those ages zero to 3. I've personally heard from parents about the benefits that they've seen in their kids. The other programs that we've done over the summer have got positive feedback from the kids and from the parents. I think the finale has been great to do something for the kids that did read ... It was a big incentive. I'm so glad that they could come out and have fun, just to have everyone together and to have the community together. I'm really proud of the kids for reading and for all the staff helping put everything together.”
Kids and teens who read at least five hours earned a ticket to the finale popsicle party in the park with music, a petting zoo, and fire and police vehicles to explore. Adults who read at least five hours had a literary trivia-themed finale party with special door prizes, pizza and refreshments.
By reading and logging their hours, 0–3-year-olds could earn a stuffed animal and “indestructible” book. Kids could create a necklace and add a bead for every hour they read. Teens earned pencils, keychains and stuffed animals. Kids and teens also earned coupons for free food items at area restaurants.
All ages earned raffle tickets starting at 15 hours of reading. Raffle prizes were donated by area businesses or purchased by the Azle Library Trust. They consisted of gift cards, restaurant gift certificates and free entry to area attractions like the zoo and water parks.
Along with reading and prizes, visitors to the library had the chance to participate in 60 unique programs this summer from lectures, to crafts, puppet shows and more.
“It's a way of connecting with other people, seeing different viewpoints and also just showing a good example for your children and younger generations,” adult services librarian Rebecca Buchanan said of reading’s importance to adults.
Total Participants: 1,563
Breakdown by age category:
Total Hours Read: 40,362
Breakdown by age category:
