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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2003
Contact: Patricia Fraga, Austin Public Library, (512) 974-7528
Fax: (512) 974-7442
“Mission Possible: Spy a Book!” 2003 Summer Reading Program
Looking for something free and fun this summer that’s for youth of all ages? The Austin Public Library is your answer and the best value in Austin for cool summer fun. This year the Library is offering reading activities, games and special events for youth of all ages. Each year the Austin Public Library provides programs and activities for thousands of youth throughout the summer. The 2003 program theme will be “Mission Possible: Spy a Book!” The eight-week program begins on Monday, June 2, and ends on Saturday, July 26. For a second year the Austin Public Library is providing a program just for teens ages 11 to 16—“Get a Clue: Read!” These youth will have an opportunity to win cool prizes through drawings at the Faulk Central Library and branch libraries.
The primary purpose of the programs is to encourage youth to maintain and improve their reading skills during the summer months when school is not in session. “In addition to helping students maintain reading skills, summer reading helps children create wonderful memories by allowing them the freedom to read for pleasure", says Jeanette Larson, Youth Services Manager. Free choice reading has been shown to be the most effective bridge from low levels of reading ability to higher levels, and summer reading programs encourage free choice. Austin Public Library encourages children to read and count the time spent reading. Children and young adults are encouraged to visit the John Henry Faulk Central Library or any one of 20 neighborhood branch libraries and register for the program. Incentives will be awarded for reaching and completing program goals. Children who do not read may take part by being read to.
The Austin Public Library Youth Services mascot “Echo” the Bat presents hundreds of special event programs for Austin youth during June and July. Each branch library will host a special event one day a week. The Faulk Central Library will offer special events on Saturdays and a few locations will offer Sunday programs. Please consult the APL Web site at www.cityofaustin.org/library/summer.htm for a complete event listing or call the Events Hotline at (512) 974-7302. Storytimes will be offered, as well as puppet shows, animal shows, magic shows, and safety presentations. All Library youth services are free, including the Youth Star Card for Kids and Wired for Youth computer centers for youth ages 8 to 18. Visit the Library for videos, CD-ROMs, Internet computers, magazines, music, special programs, and, don’t forget, books.
The 2003 Summer Reading Program is made possible and sponsored in part by the following organizations:The Friends of the Austin Public Library, The Austin Public Library Foundation, Austin Energy, HEB, KXAN-TV 36, Cinemark Theatres, Austin American Statesman, and the Texas State Library. Through the generous support of these organizations the Library is able to provide a dynamic, enriched summer program for the youth of Austin.
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