![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/summer-reading-kick-off-flyer-966x1024.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe wanted to commemorate our centennial with something special,\u201d said Olivia Poulton, Director of Texarkana Public Library. \u201cSo we asked ourselves, what could we do that would get people excited, bring them to the library, and give them something fun to do with their families?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The result? A first-ever for the Texarkana Public Library: a vendor fair and block party that featured everything from a bounce house obstacle course and face painting to kids singing karaoke on a giant stage. One library staff member even manned a cotton candy machine and handed out 330 servings of cotton candy for free!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Planning with Purpose (and Plenty of Phone Calls)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBrandon Bell, who works in Technical Services, helped lead the planning effort. \u201cThe first step was just brainstorming. Where would we hold it? What would we need? Then it became about who to call to make it happen.\u201d With a plan in place, Bell took to the phones and started getting results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the street shut down in front of the library, Texarkana Parks and Rec supplied a massive stage, Western Waste Management donated trash service, and local vendors rallied behind the idea of a community-centered celebration. With a shaved ice truck and a host of arts and crafts vendors, there was something for everyone and it was mostly all free to the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The library intentionally limited the number of food trucks to ensure each vendor had a successful day, and they didn\u2019t charge for booth space. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t about making money,\u201d said Poulton. \u201cIt was about making memories.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Community Partnership Power<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nKey to the event\u2019s success was collaboration. The police and fire departments showed up with vehicles for kids to explore. Texarkana College\u2019s aviation department even brought a decommissioned Bell helicopter to display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe weren\u2019t afraid to ask for help,\u201d said Bell. \u201cWe called everyone. Some said yes. Some didn\u2019t. But the ones who said yes made it incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/festival-crowd-1024x561.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One small local business, Dot\u2019s Rentals, provided a cotton candy machine and ingredients. A professional DJ donated equipment for the kids\u2019 karaoke stage. And when volunteers needed a break, the library staff made sure they were well-fed. \u201cPeople will work for hot dogs,\u201d joked Bell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An Event with Impact<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe event, held from 10:00 to 2:00 on a Saturday, had more than1,000 attendees and 130 summer reading sign-ups that day alone. Patrons renewed their cards, paid off overdue fees, and reconnected with the library. \u201cWe weren\u2019t even asking for money,\u201d Bell said, \u201cBut after the renewals and late fees getting paid we made nearly 700 dollars.\u201d The Friends of the Library<\/a> also ran a book sale, and the library\u2019s circulation desk stayed busy all day as people wandered inside for some cool air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cotton-candy-789x1024.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt felt like the entire city came out,\u201d said Public Services Librarian Morgan Chance. \u201cWe had people of all ages, from toddlers to teens to retirees. And so many left saying they couldn\u2019t wait for us to do it again next year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even the local news took notice, with media outlets and radio stations promoting the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lessons for Other Libraries<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDespite Texarkana\u2019s population of 35,000 and its unique status as a dual-state library funded by both Texas and Arkansas, the team says this kind of event is achievable for smaller libraries too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSize doesn\u2019t matter,\u201d said Bell. \u201cAsk for help. Don\u2019t be afraid to be rejected. If you make the case that it\u2019s about bringing the community together, people want to be part of that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/karaoke-777x1024.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPoulton added that events like this are great opportunities for student volunteers, especially high schoolers looking for service hours. One such volunteer helped coordinate cleanup by bringing in the Young Marines to assist with take-down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Technology as a Community Bridge<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn addition to bringing the community together for fun and games, the Texarkana Public Library is deeply committed to helping its community bridge the digital divide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thanks to a $15,000 grant from the American Library Association in partnership with AT&T, the library launched Digital Learn<\/a> computer classes. These cover everything from internet and email basics to resume building and cell phone use. Materials, handouts, and lesson plans are all provided through the Digital Learn platform, and classes are led by staff and volunteers.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe library also partnered with Texas Workforce Solutions to install a job-seeking kiosk\u2014a touchscreen computer and printer station where patrons can build resumes and apply for jobs at no cost. One recent success story? A long-haul trucker laid off after 37 years found new direction thanks to the library\u2019s support and was able to craft a resume to seek new job opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their growing makerspace includes a 3D printer, Cricut machine, and die cutter, all purchased through ARPA funding. In August, they\u2019ll launch a youth-focused tech camp<\/strong> to teach patrons how to use these tools. LeapPads (made possible by a Kiwanis grant), bilingual AWE computers, and a \u201cmommy and me\u201d computer desk (complete with attached crib) are among their tech-forward offerings.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnd maybe most relevant, they loan out Wi-Fi hotspots as well. In a community with high poverty and limited internet access, this service is a lifeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s Next?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhen asked if the library plans to do it all again, Bell didn\u2019t hesitate: \u201c100% yes. Without a doubt, this is going to be an annual event.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next year\u2019s dream? A \u201cBig Rig Takeover\u201d with even more community engagement, where kids can tour firetrucks, ambulances, and hear from the people who operate them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Poulton summed it up, \u201cThe event just kept getting bigger and bigger. It was a lot of work but everything came together. It will be even bigger next year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Feeling Inspired?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re a Texas library dreaming up your own summer event, Texarkana\u2019s message is clear: start small, ask for help, and let your community shine. Whether you\u2019ve got a population of 3,000 or 30,000, your library can be the spark that brings people together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to hear more stories like this, and find out what your local public library is doing to entertain, educate, and elevate your community, subscribe to the LDO Download<\/a> to keep up with the latest news or email<\/a> us!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"What do you get when you mix cotton candy, karaoke, a helicopter, and hundreds of books? One unforgettable library event that drew more than 1,000 people, and once again, showcased why libraries are often the beating heart of their communities. To kick off the city\u2019s 100th anniversary and the start of summer reading, Texarkana Public…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":66,"featured_media":32737,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_s2mail":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[488,59,15],"tags":[1172,980,1171,1173,1174,1175,1170,998],"class_list":["post-33389","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community-engagement","category-public-libraries","category-technology","tag-events","tag-library-technology","tag-summer-reading","tag-summer-reading-kick-off","tag-texarkana","tag-texarkana-community","tag-texarkana-public-library","tag-texas-public-libraries"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33389","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/66"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33389"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33389\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33407,"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33389\/revisions\/33407"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32737"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33389"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33389"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33389"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Key to the event\u2019s success was collaboration. The police and fire departments showed up with vehicles for kids to explore. Texarkana College\u2019s aviation department even brought a decommissioned Bell helicopter to display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe weren\u2019t afraid to ask for help,\u201d said Bell. \u201cWe called everyone. Some said yes. Some didn\u2019t. But the ones who said yes made it incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n One small local business, Dot\u2019s Rentals, provided a cotton candy machine and ingredients. A professional DJ donated equipment for the kids\u2019 karaoke stage. And when volunteers needed a break, the library staff made sure they were well-fed. \u201cPeople will work for hot dogs,\u201d joked Bell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The event, held from 10:00 to 2:00 on a Saturday, had more than1,000 attendees and 130 summer reading sign-ups that day alone. Patrons renewed their cards, paid off overdue fees, and reconnected with the library. \u201cWe weren\u2019t even asking for money,\u201d Bell said, \u201cBut after the renewals and late fees getting paid we made nearly 700 dollars.\u201d The Friends of the Library<\/a> also ran a book sale, and the library\u2019s circulation desk stayed busy all day as people wandered inside for some cool air.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt felt like the entire city came out,\u201d said Public Services Librarian Morgan Chance. \u201cWe had people of all ages, from toddlers to teens to retirees. And so many left saying they couldn\u2019t wait for us to do it again next year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even the local news took notice, with media outlets and radio stations promoting the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite Texarkana\u2019s population of 35,000 and its unique status as a dual-state library funded by both Texas and Arkansas, the team says this kind of event is achievable for smaller libraries too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSize doesn\u2019t matter,\u201d said Bell. \u201cAsk for help. Don\u2019t be afraid to be rejected. If you make the case that it\u2019s about bringing the community together, people want to be part of that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n Poulton added that events like this are great opportunities for student volunteers, especially high schoolers looking for service hours. One such volunteer helped coordinate cleanup by bringing in the Young Marines to assist with take-down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to bringing the community together for fun and games, the Texarkana Public Library is deeply committed to helping its community bridge the digital divide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thanks to a $15,000 grant from the American Library Association in partnership with AT&T, the library launched Digital Learn<\/a> computer classes. These cover everything from internet and email basics to resume building and cell phone use. Materials, handouts, and lesson plans are all provided through the Digital Learn platform, and classes are led by staff and volunteers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The library also partnered with Texas Workforce Solutions to install a job-seeking kiosk\u2014a touchscreen computer and printer station where patrons can build resumes and apply for jobs at no cost. One recent success story? A long-haul trucker laid off after 37 years found new direction thanks to the library\u2019s support and was able to craft a resume to seek new job opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Their growing makerspace includes a 3D printer, Cricut machine, and die cutter, all purchased through ARPA funding. In August, they\u2019ll launch a youth-focused tech camp<\/strong> to teach patrons how to use these tools. LeapPads (made possible by a Kiwanis grant), bilingual AWE computers, and a \u201cmommy and me\u201d computer desk (complete with attached crib) are among their tech-forward offerings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And maybe most relevant, they loan out Wi-Fi hotspots as well. In a community with high poverty and limited internet access, this service is a lifeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When asked if the library plans to do it all again, Bell didn\u2019t hesitate: \u201c100% yes. Without a doubt, this is going to be an annual event.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next year\u2019s dream? A \u201cBig Rig Takeover\u201d with even more community engagement, where kids can tour firetrucks, ambulances, and hear from the people who operate them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As Poulton summed it up, \u201cThe event just kept getting bigger and bigger. It was a lot of work but everything came together. It will be even bigger next year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re a Texas library dreaming up your own summer event, Texarkana\u2019s message is clear: start small, ask for help, and let your community shine. Whether you\u2019ve got a population of 3,000 or 30,000, your library can be the spark that brings people together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to hear more stories like this, and find out what your local public library is doing to entertain, educate, and elevate your community, subscribe to the LDO Download<\/a> to keep up with the latest news or email<\/a> us!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" What do you get when you mix cotton candy, karaoke, a helicopter, and hundreds of books? One unforgettable library event that drew more than 1,000 people, and once again, showcased why libraries are often the beating heart of their communities. To kick off the city\u2019s 100th anniversary and the start of summer reading, Texarkana Public…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":66,"featured_media":32737,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_s2mail":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[488,59,15],"tags":[1172,980,1171,1173,1174,1175,1170,998],"class_list":["post-33389","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community-engagement","category-public-libraries","category-technology","tag-events","tag-library-technology","tag-summer-reading","tag-summer-reading-kick-off","tag-texarkana","tag-texarkana-community","tag-texarkana-public-library","tag-texas-public-libraries"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33389","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/66"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33389"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33389\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33407,"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33389\/revisions\/33407"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32737"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33389"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33389"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33389"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAn Event with Impact<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLessons for Other Libraries<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nTechnology as a Community Bridge<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s Next?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Feeling Inspired?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n