City Editor Kate here — I don't know about y'all, but summer is my favorite reading season of the year. No weekend is complete without a cheesy less-then-scary mystery or daring adventure novel absorbed from the comfort of a pool floatie.

Get ready to dive into summer with these reading programs, clubs + recommendations.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

This month, the Fort Worth Public Library (FWPL) is kicking off a new initiative to help little ones develop a lifelong love of reading. The program helps parents and kiddos track their milestones on a journey to read 1,000 books before they start elementary school. Sign up on the Beanstack app, and visit your local library branch for a special tote bag and booklet. Plus, join daily storytimes, browse the collections + celebrate your progress with prizes.

Mayor's Summer Reading Challenge

Did you know students lose ~20% of their academic progress over the summer? Join Mayor Mattie Parker in keeping that reading comprehension high while students are out of school. Track your reading progress + earn a free book and special certificate upon completing the challenge. Plus, don't miss the Summer Reading Kick-Off in Trinity Park on Saturday, June 1.

Your old books could soon be on the shelves of a Fort Worth Public Library branch. | Photo by FTWtoday

Book clubs for adults

The FWPL hosts an assortment of reading groups and monthly book clubs for all kinds of readers. Get out and about (and enjoy a cold beverage) with Books and Brews, or stay on the edge of your seat with Summerglen's Thrilling Reads.

Build your own reading list

Check out these 15 books written by authors with ties to Fort Worth.

Bonus: Don't let your summer road trip stop you from hitting your reading goals. Peruse thousands of audio books, curated by local librarians, available on the Libby App.