Bee Cave Public Library invites everyone to “Reach for Stars…Read.” this summer.

“It’s that time of year again,” noted Library Director Barbara Hathaway, “when we encourage everyone to read just for fun.”
This year’s Summer Reading Program has a “Star Wars” theme, and includes lots of space-related fun. Readers of all ages are invited to keep of log of the minutes spent reading, and turn them in to earn fun prizes. Children who read at least 400 minutes will have their photo taken for a personalized poster that will hang on the library wall throughout the summer.
“We began doing this our first summer, in 2006, to give the kids a little extra incentive to read. It was so popular we’ve continued it ever since,” commented Hathaway. “Children enjoy seeing their picture up on the wall, and looking for their friends’ photos. The excitement builds throughout the summer as more and more posters go up, and the whole community gets a kick out of seeing them.”
This year’s Summer Reading Program is expected to serve more than 700 children, and includes book clubs for readers of all interests and reading levels, including American Girl, Star Wars, Magic Tree House, and Harry Potter. In keeping with the starry theme, special viewing nights have been scheduled at the University of Texas’ observatory when Bee Cave library patrons can visit. Astronomers from the Austin Astronomical Society will be at the Old Bee Cave School House on June 15th at 8:30 p.m. to offer a glimpse of the skies over Bee Cave to anyone who is interested.
Meet Star Wars characters at the library
Children may begin signing up on Saturday, June 5, during library hours from 1-5 pm. The Kick-Off Event takes place the following Saturday, June 12, from 2-4 p.m., when members of the Star Garrison of the 501st Legion (a/k/a Vader’s First) will visit the library, sign autographs and pose for photos. The Legion is a volunteer club of Star Wars enthusiasts whose purpose is to bring the joy of the Star Wars universe to the current generation by visiting hospitals, conventions, and in this case, the library.
Thank you to sponsors
All children who read at least 400 minutes will receive a “Reach for the Stars…Read.” tee shirt made possible by the generous donations of this year’s sponsors: Art Attack, Broadway Bank, and the Shops at the Galleria. Also partnering with the library to help support the program are local businesses Eyecare Essentials, Learning Express, Dogadillo, Aqua-Tots Swim Schools, and Hill Country Kids.
New for adults and teens
“Why should the kids have all the fun?” That was the idea behind this year’s new teen and adult reading programs. For each book they read and “review” by filling out a slip, teens and adults will receive a raffle ticket for prizes that include a Rock Star Shopping Party at fab’rik in the Hill Country Galleria, a messenger bag from Backwoods, Twilight movie posters, and much more. All teen and adult participants will be entered in a drawing for the grand prize, a Flip Camcorder.
Visit the library website http://pl.beecavetexas.gov for information about all library activities and programs, or call 767-6620. Bee Cave Public Library is located in the Hill Country Galleria, at the intersection on Texas 71, RR 620 and Bee Cave Road (FM 2244). All events are free, and open to the public. Recommended ages are listed on the website. For information about the Star Garrison, visit www.stargarrison.com.