Paige Pozzi and her three children visit the Lake Travis Community Library at least once every two weeks.
The Austin American-Statesman reports Pozzi, who home-schools her children, relies on the library for educational materials and programs. Her family reaches the 50 book limit at checkout every time they visit.
"Books are everything for children," Pozzi said. "Reading has always been a top priority no matter what we do. I can't imagine what life would be like without a library."
Throughout the year, Pozzi's family takes advantage of the come and go craft days, launch pad educational games, DVDs for family movie night and the online catalog, where she can reserve and order additional books tailored to her lessons at home.
And each year, the children look forward to the library's summer program, which began this month and features crafts and science projects.
"I love that the activities are broken up into appropriate age groups," Pozzi said. "The kids come meet other people in the community and just learn and get exposure to a new skill or interest."
This summer's program theme is "Universe of Stories" with a focus on space, science, technology and magic.
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Youth Services Librarian Sarah Traugott said the reading list includes a variety of options, including the story of Katherine Johnson, who helped save Apollo 13 astronauts, and Mae Jemison, the first black woman to travel in space.
Throughout the summer, the library will host daily events including science activities, family movie nights, musical performances and crafts. Visits from Dinosaur George, Austin Reptile Shows and Silly Sparkles will take place on Thursdays.
Pozzi said the come and go crafts are a favorite with her three children.
"They have everything laid out for them," Pozzi said. "It couldn't be simpler to connect kids to crafts from start to finish."
The summer reading program is one of the library's largest events with more than 3,600 patrons participating in June 2018. Library Director Morgan McMillian said last year's program included 165 adults, 338 teenagers and 997 children.
The library will also continue to host is regular classes including arts and crafts, technology and cooking classes.
"I like to be spontaneous, and it's nice to know that we can come here any day of the week and pick something to do at the library, see a friend and have some fun," Pozzi said.
Interested patrons can start a reading log, logging their books for the summer. Children can submit completed logs and receive a prize from the treasure chest, including toys and free ice cream cone coupons.
Adult readers can also participate. For every five books read, they can receive a free book and are entered into a raffle for local business gift certificates.
The bookmobile will also offer a variety of summer programs and reading materials for families that also count toward summer reading logs. The program runs through July 26.
