Come to a birthday party to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the Arlington Public Library! The celebration takes place Saturday, June 1, at 11:30 a.m. on the Patio at the George W. Hawkes Central Library, 101 E. Abram. Meet Read, the bookworm, listen to hit music of the decades, and enjoy a special cake. The event is a time to remember 90 years of library history and to recognize the support of the community in contributing so much to the success of the library system through the years.
"In the last 90 years, the Arlington Public Library has enjoyed the privilege of serving the community in so many ways,"said Cary Ann Siegfried, Director of Libraries. "As we move through those 90 years in the next 90 days, we hope everyone will have an opportunity to share with us what the Arlington Public Library has meant to them-those gifts are the best birthday presents we could ever receive!"
Summer Reading Club 2013, June 1 - July 26, kicks off at the same time, so be sure to pick up reading logs and get information about summer reading programs for everyone in the family. Summer reading is essential for students to maintain grade level reading skills between school terms. Incentives, prizes and special programs make it a part of summer fun. Each reading program has a unique focus this year.
My First Summer Reading Club, especially for ages 0-4, is new this year. Parents can pick up a brochure and read 10 books to their child and complete six activities, turn in their log, and receive a bag full of fun prizes. There will also be programs every Saturday at different locations during June and July specifically for this age group. Bring the little ones to the kick-off program in the community room at the Central Library at 10:30 a.m. before joining the party on the patio.
"Dig into Reading"Children's Summer Reading Club is for grades K-6. Children read 5 hours for each step and turn in their log for special prizes, including Ranger tickets, swim passes, and treats from a special Treasure Chest. This program is free and the school campus that has the most participation will receive a set of Bluebonnet books for their school library. Dynamic programs and performers provide high-quality entertainment and educational options for parents and children. See the library website, ArlingtonLibrary.org, or pick up a program brochure at your local branch.
Teens entering grades 7-12 will go "Beneath the Surface"to read for prize pack tickets. Teens can also attend special programs throughout June and July at various locations. Please refer to the Summer Reading Club brochure or the website for more information.
The Summer Reading Program for adults celebrates "90 years of Groundbreaking Reads."
Entry forms may be turned in online or at the library to be eligible for gift certificates and prizes. Write a book review to receive an Arlington Public Library 90th Anniversary commemorative coffee mug while supplies last.
As part of the celebration, the Library welcomes residents of Arlington, patrons, and visitors to explore what makes this institution so unique. Through a visual timeline in displays at library locations and on the website, learn how the Arlington Public Library got its start and discover some its most memorable moments. For example, did you know that Arlington was the first branch established in the county library system? Schools, churches and civic organizations joined together and petitioned the Tarrant County Commissioners Court for a library. The doors opened to the "Arlington Station of the Tarrant County Free Library"on March 19, 1923. It was located in the corner of the lobby of the Farmer's National Bank Building. Miss Pearl Wade was the first librarian to manage the collection. Citizens could visit on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.
Also see "90 Great Things about the Arlington Public Library,"a daily feature on the website beginning June 1 and the "90 Years of Groundbreaking Reads"blog. Travel through time with the classic books of each decade and enjoy special programs and activities.
After 90 years, the Arlington Public Library continues to provide the community with resources for information, learning and discovery for all ages and interests. Seven branches, plus a literacy center and numerous Library LiNK locations are now available throughout the city. Technological innovations allow patrons to access and utilize library services via the internet on home computers, laptops or by cell phone 24 hours a day.
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