The Azle Memorial Library’s summer reading program saw record participation this year. While the work in itself is a reward, kids who read at least five hours over the summer were rewarded with snow cones, a petting zoo and a special show by Next Level Bubbles in Azle Central Park. The Aug. 1 finale party closed on a resounding success for this year’s program; 1,094 kids aged 0-12 signed up to log their reading hours along with many more teens and adults.
AML Children’s Librarian Ava Bryant said activities and prizes are a good way to draw in more reluctant readers.
This annual series of events and challenges not only gave kids and adults a chance to catch up on their reading, it also provided a free, fun place to socialize and take part in a variety of educational experiences. Bryant said it is also a good way to get more books — and library cards — into people’s hands and build a lifelong love of libraries. She said it is important for kids to continue reading while on break from school in order to maintain and improve their literacy skills.
