Summer reading program kicks off on high note
By Traci Chapman
Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan is kicking off its Save for College Sweepstakes with a plan designed to keep students reading throughout the summer.
Fizz Boom Save for College will award $2,529 each to two students through a partnership between the savings plan and Oklahoma Department of Libraries. The sweepstakes runs through Aug. 31 and is open to all Oklahoma parents, guardians and grandparents whose child is participating in a summer reading program.
“The goal of the sweepstakes is to keep kids from preschool to high school reading throughout the summer, expanding their knowledge on subjects that interest them,” Oklahoma Treasurer Ken Miller said.
Miller is board chairman for Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan. He said this marks the sixth year for the sweepstakes, running in conjunction with the Department of Libraries’ summer reading programs.
The sweepstakes program is heating up as Mustang Public Library gets ready Thursday to kick off its summer reading program. Registration for the program begins that day and from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m., a free concert will be held at Wild Horse Park Gazebo. Musician Monty Harper and Sugar Free Allstars will be featured during the concert, and children and youth will receive a book bag, reading log and bookmark.
“Everyone is invited to bring their blankets, chairs and picnic dinner or snacks,” Mustang children’s librarian Lizzie Brown said.
Monty Harper will perform at 7 p.m., and Sugar Free Allstars will take the stage at 8 p.m., Brown said. Anyone attending is asked to bring new or “gently used” books for donation to Smart Start Canadian County.
Mustang’s summer reading concert is by Friends of the Mustang Library Endowment Fund and Oklahoma Arts Council.
Sweepstakes entry forms are available at Mustang Public Library. Forms may be completed and returned to the library or sent in by mail or online at www.ok4saving.org. Forms must be submitted or postmarked by Aug. 31.
For more information about Mustang’s summer reading program and other events for children and youth scheduled throughout the summer, contact Brown at (405) 376-2226 or ebrown@cityofmustang.org.