Registration for the 2009 Texas Summer Reading Club will begin on Monday, June 1, and continue through August at all Fort Bend County Libraries locations.
Children from infancy to early teens are invited to come to the library to read a lot of great books, take part in special programs and join in activities to kick off the summer.
This year marks the 51st Anniversary of the Texas Summer Reading Club for children. The theme for this year is “Libraries Deep in the Heart of Texas.”
Children are encouraged to read as many books as they can and they will earn rewards based on the total number they read, or have read to them. They can also earn rewards based on the total number of hours they spend reading.
“A baby’s brain cells double in weight in the first 12 months of life, and the stimulation from being read to, talked to and sung to are some of the best ways a child can build up those critical brain connections,” said Susan King, coordinator of youth services at Fort Bend County Libraries. “That’s why we invite parents to enroll their children, as young as possible, in the Summer Reading Club. Reading is a good habit to start!”
Participants may register at any Fort Bend County library, or they may register online by going to www.fortbend.lib.tx.us and clicking on the “SRC Sign-Up” icon, which will become available June 1. Use the tabs to select the Summer Reading Club in which you would like to participate – the book club or the teen club.
Upon registering, participants will then have their own online page on which to record their books. Reading rewards can be redeemed beginning Monday, June 8.
For the first five books read, the child will receive a bookmark.
The rewards continue with a door hanger for 10 books, a certificate for 15 books, and a reading trophy for the first 20 books read. For every 20 books read, the participant’s name will also be written on a paper ship to be displayed in that branch library.
Young patrons are also invited to register to win plush book characters that will be given away in weekly drawings.
In addition, the names of participants will be entered into a drawing for gift cards from area stores, donated by the library Friends organizations, that will be awarded to several lucky readers of 20 books or more in a special drawing scheduled in August at each library location.
There is no charge to join the Summer Reading Club and it is open to all children, regardless of the county of residence.
The program is sponsored by the Texas State Library, Fort Bend County Libraries, and the Friends organizations that support the county library system.
