BEC DONATES $5,000 TO SUMMER READING PROGRAMS

Bandera Electric Cooperative is helping area libraries gear up for their summer reading programs by donating $1,000 each to Bandera Public Library, Comfort Public Library, Lakehills Area Library, Medina Community Library, and Real County Public Library. BEC's donations will provide hands-on activities and materials necessary for the programs’ success.

BEC provides more than electricity to their communities; they encourage organizations that help enrich their members' lives. Guided by the cooperative principle Concern for Community, BEC focuses on ways to support Hill Country youth programs and events. The local summer reading programs are just one illustration of it.
“We are very appreciative and would like to thank BEC for their donation,” said Real County Library director Betty Meyer. "It will help with supplies for our summer reading program.”

This year’s summer reading program theme is All Together Now, which focuses on kindness, friendship, and unity. Each of the libraries will have their own curriculum, and their summer schedules will be available online.
“Our goal is for the children to finish the summer reading program with a better understanding of how each of us is connected and the importance of taking care of themselves, their community and the earth,” said Alison Harbor, library director of Medina Public Library.

The older children attending the Medina Public Library summer program will assemble boxes for seniors in the community. Each box will contain personal hygiene items and educational information regarding the upcoming eclipses.

“These boxes will help seniors in our community prepare for the eclipses and the safety concerns that may arise,” said Harbor. “The hope is that this hands-on project will encourage our kids to support their community actively.”

Encouraging children to read throughout the summer is essential for maintaining and increasing their reading skills. The summer reading programs help them stay engaged and offers experiences that can shape their young minds.

BEC cares about its youth, and supporting reading and learning reflects BEC’s commitment to education. Stop by your local library to learn more about its summer reading program!