Mesquite мayor’s initiative sparks reading frenzy among children

Mesquite, Texas - This summer, Mesquite children avidly embraced reading, a direct outcome of an initiative set in motion by Mayor Daniel Alemán, Jr.

Mayor Alemán introduced the inaugural Mesquite Mayor 1,000-Page Reading Challenge in June, targeting young readers aged 5-12. The program, active until July 31, was designed to be inclusive, permitting children to either read on their own or be read to. Additionally, attending the Mesquite Public Library System's weekly Story Time contributed to the page count.

Of the 775 members of the Library’s Summer Reading Club, a commendable 240 met or surpassed the 1,000-page threshold, earning an invitation to a celebratory event at Mesquite's Main Library on August 5.

Reflecting on the overwhelming participation, Mayor Alemán remarked, “Our primary objective was family engagement in summer reading. The substantial reading accomplished by the children stands them in good stead for the academic year ahead.”

A 10-year-old participant, Manuel Soto, shared that while the allure of summer reading predated the Mayor's initiative in his family, the prospect of rewards intensified his enthusiasm. “A challenge with an attainable goal was motivating,” he shared. Both Manuel and his elder brother, Santiago Soto, reached the requisite target. Not only did they revisit some beloved books, but they also ventured into new territories, including titles from the Dog Man and Goosebumps series. The boys' achievement was also fueled by some sibling rivalry and the promise of a festive gathering, as shared by their mother, Margaret Avila.

During the celebratory event, Councilmember Jennifer Vidler, while distributing tokens of appreciation, underscored the transformative power of reading. Vidler, who serves on the board for Mesquite ISD’s ReadPlayTalk early literacy initiative, said, “Early reading habits lay the groundwork for a child's potential. It's imperative for them to know their worth, our faith in their capabilities, and the limitless horizons that reading can open up for them.”

Participants were incentivized at every 250-page milestone via the Library's READsquared tracking tool. The rewards ranged from book ownership to tangible goods and restaurant vouchers.

One standout participant, Lola Paris, 10, exceeded the challenge manifold, clocking in 6,371 pages. She fondly recalled her summer favorite, "This is San Francisco," highlighting its narrative style and captivating illustrations.

Virginia Mundt, overseeing Library Services, expressed her delight at the surging participation, likening it to pre-pandemic times. “The summer witnessed over 5,100 attendees at our library events,” she noted.

The Mesquite Public Library System persistently curates programs catering to diverse reader groups. More information is accessible on their official website: www.cityofmesquite.com/library.

Credit: Dallas Metro News, City of Mesquite