Painting the town READ

Published on August 23, 2024

Fort Worth residents once again proved they are a city of readers by surpassing 4.5 million minutes of reading in the Mayor’s Summer Reading Challenge.

The challenge was active between June 1 and Aug. 10 this year. The final tally shows that 8,608 registered participants logged 4,537,912 minutes of reading. More than 2,300 people completed the challenge – 1,000 minutes read for adults and 500 minutes for children.

“I’m thrilled that the Mayor’s Summer Reading Challenge led Fort Worth residents to read over 4.5 million minutes this summer,” said Mayor Mattie Parker. “I’m incredibly proud of the time readers of all ages dedicated to making this happen.  Keep the momentum going – read for enjoyment or exploring or for whatever motivates you to continue learning all year round.”

The challenge might be over, but Fort Worth readers can continue to track their reading in Beanstack, find reading suggestions, explore fun activities and use a variety of resources available inside libraries and to check out and take home.

Don’t stop now

Families with young children are invited to weekly story times and the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, designed to help little learners gain literacy skills before starting school. The Kinder Prep program offers weekly lessons that simulate what children will experience in the classroom in a fun, supportive setting.

Adults are encouraged to explore a variety of Fort Worth Public Library book clubs across the city, some focusing on specific genres. The Stay at Home Book Club, launched during the pandemic, caters to busy readers who prefer eBooks and discussion on Facebook.