by KIM HILSENBECK
Since the start of the Kyle Library Summer Reading Program, Andrew Gonzales, 12, has read five books. He tracks them in 15-minute increments on a reading log; each completed log earns him 14 raffle tickets for a variety of prizes.
Though he prefers to read at home in his room where it’s quiet, Andrew was at the library with his family last week checking out new books.
His favorite these days are the books in the “Hunger Games” trilogy.
“I’ve read the first two in the series so far,” Andrew said.
For Bria Arrant, 11, her day at the library included browsing through books on outer space.
But one of her favorite authors is Stephanie Meyer who wrote the Twilight series of books about a vampire and his mortal girlfriend that became a national sensation.
“I really like those,” Bria said.
Library Clerk Teresa Montalbo said the summer reading program has so far has been very successful.
“We’ve had about 2,000 kids sign up,” said Montalbo. “And each time they turn in a completed reading log, they get raffle tickets.”
Local businesses contributed several of the raffle prizes, which include gift cards, new bikes, an iPod Touch and Kyle Pool passes.
The Kyle Library Summer Reading Program also brings in special events such as magic shows, T-shirt art, fire safety demonstrations, a puppet show and movie days.
Yo-yo champion Valerie Oliver from Dallas will be in town at Thursday, July 12 showing off her skills while teaching kids about physics.
Completed reading logs can be turned in to the Kyle Library through July 19.