Copperas Cove Library kicks off annual Summer Reading Program

By PAMELA GRANT

Cove Leader-Press

The Copperas Cove Public Library’s Summer Reading Program kicked off with a blast—a bubble blast.

Children of all ages—and some parents—were blasted with bubbles at the Copperas Cove Public Library’s Kick-Off which began Tuesday at 2 p.m. 

Big Time Bubbles used a giant bubble cannon to create a “bubble pool” continuously shooting a steady stream of bubbles for families of all ages to enjoy.

Amanda O’Bryant, co-owner of Big Time Bubbles, manned the bubble gun and tossed out a few beach balls to the children.

“It’s definitely different,” said O’Bryant. She said that she loves her job and making people smile. “I feel like I have a purpose because I’m making kids happy.”

Karen Eacrett, who is leading the Summer Reading Program for her fourth year, said that they already have more than 100 families that have signed up for the program. She said that the library has been doing the Summer Reading Program for years and years, with her own kids having attended years ago. She said that the program is geared towards helping prevent or slow the “summer slide” which can occur when children do not read over their summer break.

“Summer reading encourages children to read and to have fun,” said Eacrett. “We already have lots of sign-ups, and this is one of our best kick-offs so far.”

For the children’s reading program, kids are asked to mark off a space for every 10 minutes of reading done, ultimately completing 50 spaces for a total of 500 minutes to earn a pizza party and other prizes along the way. 

For the teen’s reading program, teenagers earn a prize of their choice for every five hours of reading. All participating teenagers earn a pizza party at the end of the program.

This year in addition to the annual children and teen reading programs, the Copperas Cove Public Library will also be offering an adult reading program.

“This is the first year that we’ve had an adult reading program,” said Library Director Kevin Marsh. “We’re not going to let the kids have all of the fun this year; we’re going to save some for the adults.”

Adults are asked to set their own reading goals for the summer and are invited to participate in four different sessions. The first session is today, Friday June 16 at 6 p.m. where they will be kicking off the adult Summer Reading Program and invite participants to all read the same book over the summer. Adults will be able to earn prizes as well!

Approximately 20 adults have signed up for the adult program so far.

Melissa Repasch brought her sons, Miklaus (7) and Malakai (5) to the kickoff where the two enjoyed getting coated in the bubbles.

“I thought it was cool,” said Repasch. She said that they look forward to the library’s Summer Reading Program every year. “We love it. We come to all the events and get all the prizes…and they’re doing an adult one this year. I’m excited for that!”

The Summer Reading Program continues next week with Toddler Time Monday at 10 a.m., Bees with Mr. Phil Ainslie at 2 p.m., Hero Camp for ages 7-10 at 6 p.m., and Hero Camp for ages 11-17 at 7 p.m. On Tuesday, they have Drum Circle with Percussionist Mark Shelton at 2 p.m. for the teen group. 

On Wednesday, they have Story Time at 10 a.m. and the Austin Reptile Show at 2p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. Tickets for the Thursday programs are available starting the day before the event. The next Adult Summer Reading Program session will be June 30 at 6 p.m.

The Summer Reading Program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and their Hero Camp is sponsored by HomeBase. Many of the prizes for the program are donated by local businesses including Domino’s Pizza, Raising Cane’s, Dairy Queen, Chick-Fil-A, and Whataburger.