Registration for University Park Public Library’s summer program, UP With Reading! will start on June 4. Young readers can register for the program at the City of University Park’s Fishing Derby at Caruth Park on June 4th, at the library or online through the City’s website at uptexas.org - just click on the Library icon. The theme this year is "Take a Bite Out of a Book," in connection with the Holmes Aquatic Center's new shark mascot.
Toddlers to teens are encouraged to sign up. Each registered participant will be given a shark token with their name on it that will be displayed in the library. Prizes will be awarded at the following levels:
- 10 hours – participation certificate
- 20 hours – shark bookmark
- 30 hours – a book to donate to Reading Partners of North Texas in partnership with the Highland Park Public Library
- 40 hours – “Take a Bite Out of a Book” t-shirt
- 41 hours – Entry into end of UP With Reading! Raffle
Reading Partners of North Texas places books and tutors in low-income schools to work one-on-one with students to improve their reading skills. Participants in UP with Reading who read 30 hours will be able to choose a book to donate to a child through Reading Partners of North Texas. A plate with the reader's first name will be place in the book chosen.
The HPISD school whose students collectively read the most hours will be awarded the Readers Cup trophy. Hyer Elementary School is the current champion. The last day to report hours read is Friday, July 29. The last day to receive prizes is Saturday, July 30.
A fun part of UP With Reading are the programs every Saturday. All programs except on June 4th will take place at the library beginning at 10:45 am. The June 4th program will take place at Caruth Park during the Fishing Derby at 10:30 am. Each program features a special guest:
- June 4 Val Oliver/Whirled on a String – Yoyos
- June 11 Brothers Gromm – Puppets
- June 18 Willy Welch - Music/Stories
- June 25 Pipdillys - Music/Comedy
- July 9 David Cox – Drummer
- July 16 James Wand – Magician
- July 23 Clowning Around - Balloon Blobs
- July 30 Marshall Mitchell - Cowboy Music/stories
The University Park Public Library is grateful for the continued support of Briggs Freeman / Sotheby’s International Realty, who presents this program every year. T-shirts are sponsored by Big Frog of Park Cities.