SE Texas Times

July 1, 2024

The summer months are often the most anticipated of the year. In our area, with so much to do and see, it is a great time to get outside. It is also an exciting period for students to take a break from school and relax. However, research has shown that excessive relaxation can result in reading loss among students. Fortunately, many public libraries host summer reading programs to encourage continued reading during the summer to prevent "the summer slide," which refers to the tendency for students to lose some of their academic gains from the previous school year.

Reading just four to six books over the summer can prevent a decline in reading achievement scores from spring to fall. This week, I would like to highlight some excellent local summer reading programs.

The Corpus Christi Public Libraries’ Summer Reading Program offers various fun and educational activities while keeping kids engaged in reading. This program has been an annual tradition for over 50 years. Students are invited to participate in activities such as family story time, science experiments, and summer movies. Participants are encouraged to pick up a Summer Reading Booklet at any Corpus Christi public library. These booklets help track points earned by attending events and checking out books, which can be redeemed for prizes at the end of the summer.

Additionally, Port Aransas offers a great summer reading program through the William R. “Bill” Ellis Memorial Library's 2024 Summer Reading Program. The program began last month and will continue throughout July with activities including story time, crafts, games, and more under this year's theme "Adventure Begins at Your Library." For more information, contact the library at 361-749-4116.

The Aransas County Public Library in Rockport also provides opportunities for summer reading with Summer Story Times and Crafts on Wednesdays at 3:00 PM. The library offers summer reading logs where children who document 25 hours of reading can receive a prize bag available until August 11th. More details about these activities can be found on their website.

For any questions regarding this information or other issues related to Texas state agencies or constituent services, please feel free to contact my Capitol Office (512-463-0672) or District Office (361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and part of Nueces County. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.