The Arlington Public Library launches its Read Across Texas 2002 Summer Reading Club on Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Entertainers are scheduled to perform at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at each library location on the kick off day.

"The reading club is an Arlington library tradition helping children maintain their reading skills over the summer. It also gives families an opportunity to share in the reading experience," said Children’s Services Coordinator Bethany Ponder.

Last year, 5,781 children registered for the club, a 23 percent registration increase over summer 2000. Reading Club participants read 83,583 books during last summer.

All library locations will be celebrating the Summer Reading Club with special entertainment and activities.

"The theme, Read Across Texas, is versatile, allowing us to focus on different Texas locations, folklore, diversity and history," said Ponder.

Scheduled programs include theater, music, storytelling and crafts on such topics as pioneer foods, cattle drives, rope tricks, geology, Texas flags, and Mexican and Native American influences.

Reading Club participants are divided into two categories: Listeners and Readers. Listeners are ages birth to kindergarten. Readers are in the first through eighth grade.

To participate in the club, register at any of the libraries and read ten books on the appropriate reading level. Turn in the completed log and enter a drawing for prizes. The first log turned in earns the reader a certificate. Each completed log enters the student in a drawing for Summer Reading Club T-shirts or Six Flags Over Texas tickets. The chance to win prizes increases with every completed reading log turned in before Saturday, July 27.

Listeners do not participate in the drawing. They will receive a Reading Club certificate upon completion of the first ten books. Participants attending the listeners final celebration will receive a medal. Final celebrations begin the week of July 29.