Reading Reward

WESLACO — Where there's a challenge, there's often a reward.

Organizers hope that motto holds true for many of the children enrolled in this year's Summer Reading Program at Weslaco's Public Library.

On July 26, the library will host its annual carnival for children and families involved in the Summer Reading Program.

The carnival is a bonus for the children who worked hard and earned enough book bucks and kiddy coins to win various prizes and participate in some games.

Event organizers said the goal is for more than 50 percent of the program's participants to take part in the final event.
In its inaugural carnival last year, there were 493 participants and more than 5,500 book bucks were given out, organizers said Monday.

"Every city commissioner and the mayor showed up and they really enjoyed themselves," Public Library Director Michael Fisher said of last year's carnival. "It helps the kids and family. We believe in a family approach."

More than 1,000 students and adults have taken part in this year's Summer Reading Program overall, which Fisher said gives students an upper hand as the new school year approaches. 

"Teachers always worry about what you lose over the summer," Fisher said. "It's been documented." 

Program coordinator Becky Ozuna said last year's top performer is a second grader who now reads at the sixth grade level - proof that a summer of reading can help children succeed.

"It's showing that the kids are responding," Ozuna said.

Among the events that take place at the Summer Reading Program are story telling, movie watching, puppet shows and a nutrition program promoting physical activities and health lessons.

Each Monday afternoon, the program dedicates time for a special RIF (Reading is Fundamental) at the Weslaco Museum adjacent to the public library.

"We have a high drop-out rate in our area, so it's important to do everything we can to keep literacy up especially to young people," said assistant library director Jesus Campos.

On July 24, participants who read 80 books or more during the program will be recognized during an awards assembly.