Fort Worthians Break Record This Summer

Fort Worth residents once again proved they are a city of readers by surpassing 4.6 million minutes of reading in the Mayor’s Summer Reading Challenge hosted by the Fort Worth Public Library.

The challenge was active between June 1 and Aug. 9 this year. The final tally shows that 8,384 registered participants logged 4,632,415 minutes of reading. There were 2,380 participants who completed the challenge – 1,000 minutes read for adults and 500 minutes for children.

Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Public Library

“I’m thrilled that the Mayor’s Summer Reading Challenge inspired Fort Worth residents to read more than 4.6 million minutes this summer,” said Mayor Mattie Parker. “Reading strengthens minds, sparks imagination, and opens doors to opportunity, and I’m proud of the dedication shown by our kids and readers of all ages in reaching this milestone.

Whether you’re reading for entertainment, discovery, or simply the love of learning, let’s continue this momentum all year long.”

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.

Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Public Library

Don’t stop now!

Families with young children are invited to weekly story times and participate in 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. What Fort Worth Reads is a weekly Instagram livestream that highlights adult reading recommendations.