This summer, superheroes took over The American Dream City, with many of these caped crusaders getting their powers from the library.
The Arlington Public Library's 2015 superhero-themed Summer Reading Club encouraged children, teens and adults from across Arlington to log the time they spent reading for a chance to earn prizes.
A total of 8,431 Arlington residents tracked the hours they spent reading during June and July, which added up to 46,302 hours and 17,874 books. Children and teens who completed their goals received t-shirts, tote bags, coupons for area businesses and a free ticket to the Texas Rangers game on Aug. 16. Adults won water bottles, tote bags and coupons from local businesses. Drawings held throughout the summer gave readers additional opportunities to win gift cards, tickets, and for adults, an Arlington Staycation.
"We are incredibly fortunate to have support from so many individuals and businesses in Arlington who believe in the value of summer reading," said Arlington Public Library Director Cary Siegfried. "While getting lost in a good book is certainly a reward in its own right, the extra incentive of a great prize certainly goes a long way in encouraging people to meet goals and read throughout the break from school or work."
Readers had the option to track their time and titles on paper logs or via MySRC.org, the library's online tracking site that allows patrons to log their time online and watch the numbers grow throughout the summer.
In addition to the reading challenges, programs ranging from superhero-themed storytimes to video boot camp to geocaching were held at library locations and community centers across Arlington. Local heroes got involved when Arlington police officers and fire fighters joined the Community Superheroes Tour and visited with children to talk about their jobs and what they do every day to keep the city safe.
"Summer Reading Club has grown by leaps and bounds over the past several years, and I'm thrilled by the variety of programming we are able to offer our community each summer," Siegfried said. "Summer Reading Club is more than a reading program, it's an opportunity to enjoy entertaining, educational events for free right in your own city, and we have options for every age group."
The program ran from June 1 through July 31, and concluded with a Teen Pool Party at Allen Bolden Pool on Saturday, August 8, and a Final Celebration for children and adults at Globe Life Park on Sunday, August 9. A total of 300 attendees made it to Sunday's event, with children receiving full access to the Kid Zone's indoor play space, where they enjoyed free play, face painting, puppet-making with SuperARTistic, and a drumming circle with local percussionist Jeromy Bailey. Adults enjoyed Geocaching activities and a live performance by the Southeast Tarrant County College Jazz Combo in the Hyundai Club.
More than 11,000 people attended Summer Reading Club programs throughout the summer.
The 2015 Summer Reading Club was sponsored by the Friends of the Arlington Public Library, the Arlington Alliance for Youth, General Motors, First Rate, the Texas Literacy Initiative (AISD), Kiwanis, Target, Six Flags, Dollar General, Sunrise Rotary, Arlington Rotary, and the Junior League of Arlington.
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