By Nancy Whitney

Staff Writer

[email protected]

Smith Public Library welcomed over 1,000 reading enthusiasts, young and old alike, for their Summer Reading Kick-off held June 12.

The event featured bounce houses and a petting zoo with miniature horses, goats, bunnies and piglets. Boocoos the Clown spread smiles across the faces of children as they laughed at his jokes, juggling and tom-foolery. Guests visited with the Rad Hatter in the multi-purpose room to escape the heat and a DJ played various hits that got the children moving and grooving.

To accommodate for the large amount of guests, approximately 1,600, overflow shuttle parking was provided from Wylie High School

This year’s theme is Superheroes and summer events will be superhero related, featuring programs such as Dazzling Dave, Snake Encounters, from Script to Stage and much more. The program promotes literacy, allowing participants to earn prizes by filling in reading logs and taking part in library programs.

This is the 8th summer kick off event for the reading program. There is still time to sign up. The program continues to August 1.

For information on upcoming library events visit http://www.wylietexas.gov/departments/library/events_calendar.php.