Library kicks off summer reading program

The Wimberley Village Library’s summer reading program kicked off with a bang last week with more than 450 people packing the library and grounds. Young patrons were treated to a magic show that emphasized literacy, a “Tiny Tails” petting zoo with animals small enough to hold, face painting and a bubble depot where gigantic soapy orbs could be created. Revelers, young and old alike, enjoyed snow cones, cotton candy, hot dogs and a nature exhibit by the Hays County Master Naturalists.

The library’s summer reading program is tailored to young people aged 12 to 17. Kids are shown how to fill in reading logs to receive a brag-tag and dog-chain. To enter a drawing for prizes, readers must complete three young adult books and review them by August 4. Readers may enter as many times as they like. Prizes include an Amazon gift card, a speaker, wireless earbuds, headphones, a Hover Star x4 drone, and an LED light strip.

A summer reading program for adults was also launched in which participants complete five activities in three categories to enter a prize raffle. Participants must read a book, watch a DVD and listen to an audiobook from the library’s collection, and log their titles. For every five activities, they earn one entry into the raffle. Entries must be in by July 31 and the raffle will take place August 1. Two $50 VISA gift cards are up for grabs.

The theme for the summer program is “All Together Now” and focuses on friendship, kindness, and unity.

Though crowded, the kickoff event ran smoothly thanks to a number of teen volunteers who joined forces with the library this year. In fall 2022, Beth Jordan, Director of Youth Services, and Josie Bisett, Director of Teen Services made a concerted effort to increase the number of youths attending programs and partaking of library resources. Both Directors and the Board of Trustees have seen a significant rise in the circulation and the number of program participants.

“Next year we will have our summer reading program kickoff at the new library expansion where there will be plenty of room for the kids and ample parking for adults, said Tonda Frady, Vice President of the Wimberley Village Library Foundation. “The Foundation,” she continued, is working hard to raise the remaining $300,000 toward the expansion and renovation.”

In 2020, the library embarked on a $6.5 million expansion following the purchase of a 3.8 acre lot next to the existing library. For more information, visit wimberleyvillagelibrary. org.