JULY 2026 | VOLUME 1, ISSUE 7

Summer reading wraps up with pizza party, bonus prizes

Reba's Deli & Pizzeria teaches secrets of pizza making



Although the official theme of the June summer-reading program was Unearth a Story, unofficially, the theme was Learn to Adapt. Parents, children, library staff, and the community adapted to an entirely different summer-reading program this year, modified due to the library's emergency closure


Changes notwithstanding, the program brought the community together and celebrated reading accomplishments: 157 children registered and read 85,200 minutes.


At our in-person experiences hosted at the Giddings Elementary School gym, children explored a variety of topics, including the professional life of a water-leak-detecting dog, fossil hunting, Wendish heritage, Texas archeology, and pizza making. Teens enjoyed an escape room, battle of the bands, art competition, board games, and volleyball.


Bonus prizes offer additional incentives to keep reading

One thing that didn't change this year was the possibility that children could win larger bonus prizes if they completed their entire reading log. Eight bicycles were provided by the Giddings Masonic Lodge. This year's bonus-prize winners are:

  • Isabelle Kueck (Wooden puzzle set)
  • Henry Pinson, Lucia Puente Gonzalez (12-inch bicycle)
  • Hugh Twining, Laney Swonke (16-inch bicycle)
  • Levi Wiederhold, Marlee Scott (20-inch bicycle)
  • Kent Twining, Sydney Burris (24-inch bicycle)
  • Hank Beck (Instant-print camera)
  • Rodeo Wilson (Amazon Kindle e-reader)

Adult Reading Challenge encourages adults to become avid readers

Goal to inspire an ongoing love of reading



72 adults registered for the Adult Reading Challenge and read a total of 1,400 hours.


After logging 50 hours of reading, adults could submit an entry ticket for a chance to win one of our fabulous prizes. Prize winners are:


  • Dustin Beck (Top prize package with an Amazon Kindle e-reader)
  • KayAnne Zoch
  • Savannah Price
  • Autumn Hall
  • Jaymie Pereiro
  • Lori Swonke
  • Kathy Hern
  • Tessa Ramos
  • Pat Mendoza
  • Leslie Horne

Reconstruction is ongoing at the library building. This image shows what the building looks like now that it's completely empty.


The damaged walls received new insulation, and now drywall is being installed. The men's restroom, where the water leak originated, is also being repaired.


After repairs are complete, the walls will be painted. The final step is carpet installation. We're still expecting to return to the building in mid-August.


Follow us on Facebook for frequent updates about the building's progress.

Click

Why do some people just "click," and is there anything we can do to click with others? The Brafman brothers share proven strategies for how to engender quick connections. Compelling psychology-based narrative non-fiction. -JA

In support of summer reading, 12 teenage interns volunteered a collective 291.25 hours during the month of June.


Typically, interns work at the library Monday-Thursday the entire month of June. This year, however, teens worked with us at the Giddings Elementary School gym two days a week.


These dedicated teens displayed impressive resilience as they helped to facilitate the entire summer-reading program.

Date/time

Event

Audience

Location

Wed, July 1, 3P

Bonus prize ceremony

ARC and summer-reading BONUS prize winners

GES Gym

1402 E. Industry

July 3-4

Library closed

Tues, July 14, 3P

Book Club

Adults

First Presbyterian Church

Sat, July 25, 9A

Sip & Shop

All ages

The Silos on 77

Tues, Aug. 11, 3P

Book Club

Adults

TBD