Popsicles, the pool, a dark movie theater and central a/c all have their strong points—but we in Arlington know there’s really nothing cooler than the Library’s Get Caught Reading summer celebration.

Now as much a tradition as July Fourth fireworks, “GCR” inspires thousands of Arlington young people to curl up with a steady (cooling) stream of good books (the audio kind are fine) and take in some great summer special events at Central and the branches.

The tide keeps coming in for “GCR”: last year, almost 5,000 kids from preschool to high school signed up and something tells me we’re looking at a new record this year. Already 1,500 have registered in the first few days and we know a big wave is coming once classes are over. Our roving Youth Services team has stopped at all 22 Arlington Public elementary schools, which means 11,000 kids plus their families know the Library is open all summer long– just like the beach!

This year’s GCR offers another terrific lineup of smart entertainment, including old favorites and some new friends. Middle- and high-schoolers get a head start on getting together with a July 1 “make-a-button” workshop at Central and July 7 board games gathering at Columbia Pike. Then the Virginia Aquarium’s “Ocean in Motion” traveling aquarium returns to kick things off for the younger kids on July 8 at Central. I know I’m looking forward to “Now This Kids!” on August 9, when they bring out their musical spoofs from rap to opera.

Just a reminder–you’ll need free tickets for the elementary-school age performances so pick them up beginning the day before each event.

And finally a big thanks to the Friends of the Arlington Public Library, who make the “GCR” prizes and events possible. It really wouldn’t be summer without Friends and “Get Caught Reading” so make sure you join in the fun!

-Diane