The annual Summer Reading Program has returned to the Garland County Library and will run through July 31.
Open to all ages, the program encourages participants to read or listen to books throughout the summer months, a news release from the library said.
The theme of this year's program is "Growing Together Through Stories," which is mirrored in the library's own growth with the new Community Garden and Park adjacent to the upper parking lot at the library.
Teenagers and children who participate in the Summer Reading Program "earn prizes by tracking hours spent reading and listening to audiobooks," the release said. Prizes include candy (five hours), a solar dancer (10), pick-a-book (15), a hat (25), air plant (40), T-shirt (50), food or destination coupon (75) and "entries to extra prizes and an invitation to the 100-Hour Reader Party" for 100 hours or more.
"Reading during the summer months is essential for kids' academic success," Youth Services Director Tiffany Hough said. "It helps them retain knowledge, improve literacy skills, and develop a love of learning. The library strives to make reading fun with activities and programs that engage young minds."
Adults complete an online form for each title completed during the summer and choose which prize drawing to enter. Prizes include an acoustic guitar, Nintendo Switch, Pale Horse Tattoo gift certificate, Hot Springs Bicycle Touring Co. e-bike tour, SQZBX Brewery & Pizza gift certificate, and Escape Hot Springs voucher.
Registration for the Summer Reading Program can be found at https://www.gclibrary.com/srp through July 31.
Several special events will also be held throughout the summer that relate to the theme, starting with Survival Eats with DeGray Lake Resort State Park at 10:30 a.m. Thursday.
Other events include the following:
June 10, 10 a.m. -- Community Garden grand opening.
June 13, 2 p.m. -- One-Man Circus Variety Show.
June 16, 10:30 a.m. -- All About Animals with the Museum of Discovery.
June 24, 6:30 p.m. -- Movie Night: "The Borrowers."
July 1, 2 p.m. -- Protecting Our Recharge with Hot Springs National Park.
July 7, 4 p.m. -- Aquatic Ecosystems with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
July 12, 10:30 a.m. -- Find Your Own Way with Lake Ouachita State Park.
July 17, 10:30 a.m. -- Scott Davis Magic Show.
Sponsors for the Summer Reading Program include Allen Tillery GMC, Arby's, Arkansas State Library, Arlington Hotel, Corn Dog Castle, Friends of the Garland County Library, Gulpha Communications, Rave Grafix, Souper Sandwich, Team Burfeind -- Evermark Realty, Walmart, Wheeler Printing, Abby's Acres, Diamond Lakes Federal Credit Union, Fire & Ice, Holt Eye Clinic, Redlight Roastery, Arkansas Alligator Farm, HS Bicycle Touring Co., Kilwin's, King Kone, Mid America Science Museum, Seller Eye Clinic, SQZBX, US97, Bennett's Auto Services, Capo's Tacos, Destiny's Bakery, Don Juan, Escape Hot Springs, Red Lobster, Rocket Fizz, Southern Bancorp, State Farm-Ike Eisenhauer, Sugar & Spice and Wrapped.
Visit www.gclibrary.com, call 501-623-4161, or stop by the library in-person at 1427 Malvern Ave. in Hot Springs for more information.
Scout Baber stands next to the Summer Reading Program's sponsor banners at the Garland County Library. - Submitted photo