Summer Reading Programs

Sekula Memorial Library is located in Edinburg Texas and is named after the first fallen hero to die from Edinburg during operation Iraqi freedom.  The goal of the summer program is to provide programs, events and to most importantly keep children reading.

The children’s department welcomed children 18 months – 5^th grade to enroll in the summer reading club. As many as 1000 children enrolled with 400 children completing the reading log.  The children in the reading club were rewarded for the amount of books they read with food coupons to Olive Garden, Whataburger, Texas Road House and other food sponsors.  The 400 children that met their goal were invited to the Super Reader Awards Assembly held at the Edinburg Activity Center on July 17. 2009.  Students were treated to pizza, dancing, a DJ and each child was given a medal for completion. The children’s department was decorated with the theme for the summer with bright colored wall displays, book displays and displays behind the glass case.  The library provided a calendar of events with activities for each day of the week:  Monday was Arts & crafts 11:00 a.m. K-2^nd & 3:00 p.m. 3^rd -5^th,  Tuesday 11:00 a.m. Read with Me (pre-school program) 3:00 – 5:00 PM reading recess, Wednesday dance 11:00 a.m. K-2^nd & 3:00 p.m. 3^rd -5^th, Thursday 11:00 a.m. culinary class & 3:00-5:00 p.m. movie, Friday 11:00 a.m. Guest Speaker presentation. Children had plenty to do in the children’s department at Sekula Memorial Library.  

            Teens and tweens were encouraged to participate in summer reading club.  Teens & tweens were given a flyer where they were required to fill out mane, age, school, phone number, address and a parent’s signature. Inside it provided them with a calendar of events, programs and activities.  On the back of the flyer were the rules:  Students entering 6^th grade through entering 12^th grade qualified for the program; all participants must read 5 books at their age level; 3 books are required to win a t-shirt with summer theme, 5 books are required to receive an invitation to the teen lock in party. The party was held on July 11, 2009 at the Sekula Library with games, relays, UTPA planetarium, movie, gaming, pizza, nachos and hotdogs.  About 150 teens & tweens registered and 50 met their goal to attend the lock in.  Teens & tween that met their goal were allowed to bring one friend to the lock in. All guests were given goodie bags to encourage reading next summer.  The 50 participants were given a draw string bag with novelties, flute, book, comic, book mark and other goodies.   

The Sekula Memorial Library provides a well rounded summer reading camp for all ages that encourages reading, activities, presentations, games and a safe environment during the summer.