The big reader: The Austin, Round Rock and Cedar Park public libraries, among others, are hosting reading challenges and learning activities for a chance to win prizes.
How it works: In the Austin challenge, for example, kids log when they read (or are read to) for 20 minutes in a day. Once they reach 600 minutes — and complete three activity badges — they get a free book — and adults can get a free mug.
You can earn an activity badge by visiting a museum or Zilker Botanical Garden or attending a summer event at a library.
The bottom line: Libraries are air conditioned, making them very cool places to hang out this summer.