Weslaco Library to host “Sail Away with Books” carnival

WESLACO — The Weslaco Public Library will have the Summer Reading Program’s “Sail Away with Books” carnival in the library parking lot Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

There will be games, food, carnival rides, free books and activities. The carnival is for members of the Summer Reading Program only, but walk-ins are welcome. Twenty-three library staff and 26 volunteers will be on scene dressed as literary characters like the Cat in the Hat and fairytale princesses. The Peter Piper Pizza mascot will hand out free balloons as well and a clown is scheduled to entertain the children. For the first time, the carnival will have a live band, INYURAI, made up of local high school students who play modern rock.

“We’re doing very good,” said Rebecca Ozuna, senior youth services specialist at the library. “The Kiwanis will be there giving out free hotdogs and drinks. Everything’s free. Kids pay in kiddie coins.”

The coins have been the rewards for children in the program during the summer. On Saturday they can reap the rewards of their hard work and use the coins as currency at no extra cost to their parents.

More than 900 children are in the program and 400 are expected to attend the event. The library plans to distribute 2,500 free children’s books at the event. For more information please call (956) 968-4533.