Elgin Public Library readies team-based summer reading program; logs due July 25

The Elgin Public Library this week outlined its 2026 summer reading program, a team-based initiative intended to prevent the “summer slide” by encouraging children and other residents to read through the summer months. Library staff said preparations began in December and that the program is open to all ages, though it is primarily aimed at students.

Kelly Mchuan (tech services clerk) and Crystal Kelly (youth program coordinator) described how participants register at the library and receive a reading pack and a first reading log. Readers are assigned to a red, blue, green or yellow team; for every hour of reading and for attending library events they earn a pom-pom that is placed in a visible jar for a running team tally. The library will celebrate the winning team at the end of the summer with a color-themed party.

Staff said the program now tracks minutes rather than books to make participation equitable across different reading levels: every 20 minutes of reading can be marked on the log and redeemed for a small prize and the team pom-poms. The presenters estimated the library’s collection at roughly 30,000 books and said participation has grown steadily, with “about 400” people signing up last year.

Logistics: reading logs may be picked up at the front desk or in the children’s area; participants may start anytime and the last day to turn in reading logs is July 25. The library’s outreach includes a Facebook page and Instagram account (Elgin Public Library) and a dedicated summer-reading page on the city website (elgin.texas.gov/library). Residents can subscribe to a newsletter by emailing the library to be added to the distribution list.

Regular services noted during the segment include four story times for young children each week, after-hours programs for teens and tweens, weekly programs for adults and seniors, game-day activities and peer-support mental-health programming. The presenters also highlighted a new seating area with a small coffee bar and a planned "Coffee and Conversations" program where patrons can gather for informal events; the space is already being used by visitors.

Visiting hours are: closed Sunday and Monday; open Tuesday–Friday 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; and Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The presenters encouraged interested residents to stop by, sign up for the program and check the library’s online landing page for a full schedule of summer events.

The segment ended with the moderator thanking Kelly Mchuan and Crystal Kelly for appearing on the program.