One of the most beneficial summer activities for school-aged children is taking part in a summer reading program provided by local libraries. For those seeking summer reading program choices in Liberty County, here is an overview of the four public libraries:
Tarkington Community Library
Tarkington Community Library’s Summer Reading Program “Book Fiesta” will be in the month of June on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join them this June to read all over Texas, and learn the fun and fascinating history of the state.
As part of the summer reading programs, a free Spanish course for kids will be offered at the library. The course is being offered also on Mondays and Fridays, from 1 to 2 p.m.
Programs are free and all are welcomed to join. Register your child here.
If you would like to contribute to Tarkington Community Library’s summer reading program, donations are being sought from community residents and businesses. The supply wish list for approximately 50 children includes such items as tissue paper, manila office folders, brown construction paper, blue and white tempera paints, solid white paper plates, white card stock, brown paper bags, tortilla chips, mild salsa, bags of H-E-B Lone Star Cheddar Crackers and bags of Beaver Nuggets.
Tarkington Community Library is located at 2032 FM 163, Cleveland (Tarkington). For more information, email info@tarkingtonlib.org or call 281-592-5136.
Liberty Municipal Library
Liberty Municipal Library will have two reading programs this summer. Registration for the both opens on May 20, and the form can be found here. All area children are welcome to attend the free programs! An up-to-date Liberty Municipal Library card is required for participation in the program.
June 17 is the first day to check out books that will earn participants weekly prizes, which will be chosen from an assortment of many toys and other prizes.
The children’s reading program, ages 0 to 12, has a variety of fun events this summer to connect them to learning, reading and having fun with other children in the community.
Kick off for the Summer Reading Program with Orbit from the Houston Astros as he jump starts the summer reading program on June 13th at 2:30 p.m. at Liberty Center, 1829 Sam Houston Liberty, Texas.
Weekly events include snow cones and Liberty Fire & Police Departments on June 20, Craft Day on June 27, Wild Thing Zoofari on July 11, and Magician John O’ Bryant on July 19. All events will begin at 2:30 p.m.
Ending the kid’s program will be a Big Time Bubble Foam Party on July 25 at 10 a.m. Swim attire (swimsuit, goggles, etc.) and a towel for each child are recommended.
All children who participate will receive a certificate at the end of the program. In addition, there will be drawing prizes given to each age category.
The teen summer program also has a lot of cool offerings for teens ages 13-18! Events begin at 2 p.m., except for the Library Laser Tag, and include Mario Kart on June 21, a NERF Battle on June 28, Craft Day on July 5, Movie Day on July 12, Library Laser Tag on July 19 at 10:30 a.m., and the end of the teen’s program, a pizza party and Super Smash Bros. on July 26.
Additionally, there will be a bookmark contest throughout the teen program that will exhibit their creativity!
Jones Public Library
The Jones Public Library, 801 S Cleveland St, Dayton, will begin its program on June 17. The calendar for the program is below:
The Jones Public Library is excited to invite the community to join us for this year’s Summer Reading Program: “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” It will center around elements of the outdoors, nature, and camping. This month-long event will begin on June 17 with a visit from Smokey Bear and conclude with a Finale Party on July 13 on the Community Center lawn.
Throughout the month the library will host daily events for patrons of all ages. This will include STEAM Mondays, Adult Event Tuesdays, Storytime and Snack Time Wednesdays, Teen/Tween Thursdays, Craft and Activity Fridays, and a special Library Olympics event on the first Saturday of the event. All registered participants that attend the program will be entered to win door prizes on Friday afternoons.
Beyond the program, the library will be hosting an art contest for all ages, as well as their yearly reading challenge. Registration is required for those wishing to participate in the reading challenge. Participants can register online or in person from June 10-21. Each participant that registers and completes their reading goals will have a chance to win the grand prize in their category.
Austin Memorial Library
This summer, adventure begins at Austin Memorial Library! Some events of this summer include the Annual Kids’ Pop Up Market that will be in partnership with the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce and Austin Bank. This event will be on June 11 from 5 to 7:30 pm. There will be over 30 local young entrepreneurs registered so make sure you come out and make their businesses a success!
They will have three weeks of performers including Wild Things Zoofari, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and Science Heroes. There will be community movie nights, teen and tween activities, and more! You can find more activities at austinmemlib.org
The library will also be inviting the kids to track their reading minutes and activities all summer long in order to earn tickets for prizes and a chance to go to the End of Summer Bash on July 31!
Austin Memorial Bank would like to thank their sponsors, H-E-B, Good Promotions, Bleyl Engineering, Rotary Club of Cleveland, Shelly Faust Realtor, SaRi Creation and Entergy.
