Get Ready for the 2011 Summer Reading Program!

As Acting Director for Pasadena Public Library, I am honored to welcome you all to our 2011 Summer Reading Program.  If you've never used the library before, this is the time to do it. We have a variety of programs, services and events for customers of all ages, and this year's Summer Reading line-up is spectacular!  Along with our traditional services you can read for prizes, watch family friendly movies, enjoy "Happy Hour" in our business center, and participate in one of our many programs that appeal to customers of all ages.  Enjoy moon pies, hula hoop contests, juggling, music, mad science and much more!  Participation is at no cost to our customers.

All Registration for the 2011 Summer Reading Program begins on June 6 and ends on August 9.  This year we are featuring four separate reading clubs and one computer literacy club in-house.  Additional outreach reading clubs have been coordinated as well for area day cares and senior facilities and apartment homes.   All special programs will take place at the Central Library, but reading club entry forms may be picked up and turned in at our Central Library or Fairmont Branch Library. 

The theme for the Children's Summer Reading Club is Dig Up a Good Book. Coupons, toys, and special prize tickets will be awarded for every 5 hours of reading. The more you read, the more you can win!  We've also added a special "Read to Me" club this year for pre-readers.  Reading to our younger children is very important in preparing them for life-long education.  Through listening to stories, children develop very important speech and language skills, as well as cognitive skills that help them think, remember and learn.  Read to your child this summer for 3, 9 and 12 hours to earn special prizes. In addition to our reading club, special performers will visit the Central Library every Wednesday starting June 8, in addition to the many other programs happening throughout the week.

Teen Central is the home of the Teen Summer Reading Club, and this year's theme is Going Global, Staying Connected. Teens need to read for 5 hours each week to earn entry forms for the grand prize drawing. A limit of 2 entry forms per week applies, and teens can read most any of their favorites, including novels, graphic novels, gaming books, nonfiction, or magazines.  Stop by Teen Central for a variety of summer activities including special programs and open gaming, or to check out books from our amazing teen collection.

The Adult Summer Reading Club theme is Digging Up Adventure! Adults may pick up entry forms at either library for chances to win weekly prizes.  There is a limit of 7 entries per week; listening to audio books and reading e-books counts, as well. All entries will be entered into our grand prize drawing at the end of the summer.   Make sure to mark on each of your weekly entry forms which grand prize you want to enter.

Customers can also join Happy Hour in the Central Library's Business Center, 3 - 5 p.m. every Wednesday in June and July.  Answer Internet trivia each week to win a variety of electronic gadgets.  Stop by our Business Center for more details.

Prizes and programs for all ages are funded in part by donations from The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library.  Pasadena Public Library is your family's one-stop spot for a fun-filled summer full of reading and adventure! For a complete list of all summer activities and prizes, visit the library's website at www.ppltx.net or contact the Central Library at 713-477-0276 or Fairmont Branch Library at 281-998-1095.

Kim Archer

Acting Library Director

Pasadena Public Library System