Summer Reading Programs for all ages from UP Public Library
Online sign-ups begin May 30
UP with Reading, University Park Public Library’s popular summer program for kids, kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 30. If you are a teen or adult, you can also sign up and have fun reading. Again this summer, the library will offer the Teen Summer Reading Club in partnership with Highland Park Public Library. Now in its third summer, our program for adults will provide you with enjoyment and posts about titles others are reading. Mindful of social distancing concerns, you can enroll in any of the programs online beginning on May 30 on the Library’s homepage, which can be accessed here. Please do not come to the library to sign up. Library staff will mail sign-up prizes and tokens to all UP with Reading participants.
Virtual Entertainment Programs for Kids
Be entertained and inspired each week in June and July! All programs will be presented virtually in partnership with Highland Park Library on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. Information on how to enjoy these programs virtually will be included in the library’s June and July newsletters. Specific program dates and performers are listed below.
June 3 - James Wand – Secret Agent Magic Show
June 10 - Mad Science – Tell Tale Science
June 17 - Creature Teacher
June 24 - Grace Hula Show
July 8 - Critterman – Rainforest Jewels
July 15 - Legendary Black Belt Academy – Martial Arts Class
July 22 - Circus Freaks – Juggling Workshop
July 29 - Perot TECH Truck
This year’s UP With Reading theme is “Imagine Your Story.” Beginning May 30 and running through July 31, along with receiving a crown token, sign-up prizes and a yard sign, program participants will be awarded prizes at 10, 20, 30, and 40 hours of reading:
10 hours - Participation certificate and JD’s Chippery coupon
20 hours - Brag tag
30 hours - Drawstring backpack
40 hours - Book donated to charity and wizard wand
50 hours - Entry into grand prize drawing
The Highland Park ISD school whose students collectively read the most hours will be awarded the Readers Cup trophy. Hyer Elementary School is the current champion.
Book Donations for a local non-profit
Each summer UP Public Library partners with the Highland Park Public Library to donate books to a local literacy-based organization. After reading 40 hours, a child can select a book to be donated in their honor. This year the partnering organization is The Warren Center, a non-profit group in Richardson that offers much-needed resources for children with disabilities.
The Teen Summer Reading Club
The program, sponsored by Christine McKenny of Allie Beth Allman and Associates, begins on June 1 and ends on July 31 and is open to students entering seventh grade through 12th grade. Each week, participants who log reading hours will be entered into a drawing to win a gift card from a local business. At the end of the program, participants who read 50 or more hours will be entered into the teen grand prize drawing. Teens can also participate in two virtual programs. Program dates and descriptions are below. Participants can register for these programs by emailing info@uptexas.org.
June 16 - Open Mic (3:30 to 5:30 p.m.) Join us on Zoom to share your musical, artistic, or writing talents. Each participant will have up to five minutes to perform. Registration is required.
Starting July 7 - Harry Potter Digital Escape Room – Follow clues and complete challenges to escape Knockturn Alley! The escape room will remain open through the end of July.
Grown UP Summer Reading
All enrolled participants will receive a yard sign. To participate, once you’ve finished a book or completed a challenge, enter it into the database. Participants will be entered into weekly drawings for prizes. Readers may also post what books they are reading so that others can get inspiration for their next read. The program runs from June 1 to July 31.