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Pharr library summer programs draw thousands; staff report 8,000 books read and new outreach events
Summary
Reference and children's supervisors told the Pharr Memorial Library Board that summer programming expanded in May and June with increased attendance, new author talks and partnerships, a children's reward system that credited reading to library cards, and plans for several signature events including Lucha Libros at the DRC.
Reference Supervisor Paola Veil Angel and Children's Supervisor Ruby Ramirez reported to the Pharr Memorial Library Board on July 17 that summer programming has grown this year, producing strong registration and participation numbers and new partnerships across adult, teen and children's services.
Paola told the board that reference and teen programming doubled the typical number of offerings for the summer months and cited author talks, consular sessions and a life-coaching series among adult and teen activities. "We give out free books...Brand new from the South Texas Literacy Coalition," she said when describing giveaway partners scheduled for the DRC's Lucha Libros event, which Paola set for Aug. 17 at the DRC.
Nut graf: Library staff said the expanded programming is intended to keep children reading over the summer, engage families and build community partnerships that provide services beyond traditional library offerings.
Ruby presented detailed children's metrics. She reported May impressions (foot traffic) of 382 and June impressions of 737, with program totals of 104 programs in May and 89 in June. She said final summer reading registrations reached 378 and that program participants logged about 8,000 books read during the summer reading campaign. "We actually had 365" children who completed the program, Ruby said, exceeding earlier projections.
The children's program introduced a library-based reward system Ruby described as "book coins": participants received an initial $20 credit and then earned $1 in library credit for each 10 books turned in, which can be spent at the library's in-house store. Ruby described expected store earnings and incentives tied to the rewards program.
Staff highlighted partnerships and outreach: the Mexican Consulate collaborated on a traveling exhibition of children's drawings and maintained a monthly table at the library; local authors including Reynaldo Martinez, Ling Tran and Alejandro Ochoa presented to community audiences; Fragile Planet Wildlife Park and Creative Art Studios led children's educational sessions; MHP Salud and Project Wild participated; and the City of Pharr Parks and Recreation supplied tickets for raffle family packs.
Planned events mentioned to the board included a teen-focused Summer Reading Program party (Paola cited July 25 for a teen edition), the DRC's Lucha Libros event on Aug. 17, and a children's end-of-program party Ruby said would take place on the "20 fifth" (date as stated in the transcript). Staff also noted two trolley tours for children and several Saturday educational presentations with attendance numbers reported.
Ending: Board members praised staff for attendance and program growth. Paola closed by thanking staff and partners and invited board members to participate in upcoming events.
