Children will be able to obtain a free book and create some artwork starting Friday through Oct. 4 when the Arts & The Park's annual Children's Book Giveaway begins at the Garland County Library.
Mary Zunick, executive director of the Hot Springs Area Cultural Alliance, said they have around 1,000 books ready to be given to children of all ages, noting "high school-age books" will also be available.
Zunick said the event is designed to help children fall in love with literacy, because being a strong reader is important at their age.
"Studies show around second grade, students switch from learning to read to reading to learn," she said.
Being able to read helps children do better in all of their subjects in school, she said. "Reading should be something kids look forward to, not a chore."
In addition to the free books, children will be able to take home one of two kits from the library, including art kits and book kits. Zunick said they partnered with Emergent Arts to make the kits available.
The book kits have everything a child needs to create their own book.
"Part of the goal of this project is to encourage love of literacy. This kind of takes it a step further," Zunick said.
Zunick said there are two types of art kits; one uses acrylic paint that is "geared more towards older kids" and the other uses watercolors.
"Love art? Take a free book and an art kit. Rather be an author? Take a book kit," Zunick said, noting the older, high school age kids can take one of the kits, too.
While there are around 1,000 free books, Zunick said, "we do not have that many kits."
The Cultural Alliance wants to share the art the children make with the community, Zunick said, and the young artists are encouraged to share photos of what they create on social media using #hotspringsarts2020.
"We want everyone to share what they have created ... hopefully thousands of photos of art created in Hot Springs," she said.
The book giveaway is usually part of Art Springs and has "been a tremendous success," she said, noting they have given out "thousands of books over the last three years."
Zunick said one benefit of holding the event at the library instead of during Art Springs is it will allow families to "check out the fabulous Garland County Library," and get library cards while they are getting their books and kits.