Help Jeremy and Family

02-05-26

UVALDE, TX – El Progreso Memorial Library invites families to celebrate Spring Break with a full week of hands-on, outdoor-inspired learning as part of its commitment to being a Nature Smart Library. From March 9–13, the library will host a variety of nature-based programs designed to spark curiosity, creativity, literacy, and connection to the natural world. The week will culminate with a special Nature Smart Art Day on Saturday, March 14.

As a proud member of the Texas Children in Nature Network and part of the Nature Everywhere Communities movement, El Progreso Memorial Library is committed to ensuring that all children in Uvalde have access to meaningful outdoor experiences that support their health, learning, and overall well-being.

Throughout Spring Break, families can enjoy:

• Outdoor theater and nature storytelling
• Nature exploration with microscopes
• Nature bingo and scavenger hunts
• Loose parts play encouraging creativity and problem-solving
• Nature-inspired art projects
• Hands-on discovery stations

On Saturday, March 14, in partnership with the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas, participants will create Smart & Art Nature Tiles inspired by local plants, wildlife, and favorite nature stories. These tiles will become part of a collaborative tile project at the library, celebrating the connection between literacy and the natural world.

Our goal is to intentionally tie literacy and the natural world together.

All events are free and open to the public. For a full schedule of activities, follow El Progreso Memorial Library on social media.

Schedule:

 Monday, March 9th | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
FREE & open to all families

• Texas Children in Nature Network

• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

• Texas Department of State Health Services – Zoonosis Team

• Nueces River Authority

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

• Visit Uvalde County

• Deer Valley Apiary

• Starbucks

• Lower Colorado River Authority

• Texas Wildlife Authority

• San Antonio Regional Urban Ecologist | Texas A&M Forest Service

• Uvalde National Fish Hatchery

• Bat Conservation International
• Edwards Aquifer Authority
• Green Thumb Garden Club
• Department of State Health Services Community Health Improvement
• Methodist Healthcare Ministries Wesley Nurse Program

• KLRN PBS Kids – Bringing Zeke from Work it Out Wombats

  • Thanks to KLRN PBS KIDS, children of all ages can enjoy:
     Green It Up activities from Cyberchase
     A Work It Out Wombats! outdoor scavenger hunt
     Hands-on PBS KIDS activities
     A Work It Out Wombats patch for each child
     A free Learn at Home Bag to keep the learning going

 Launching March 9th at our Spring Break Event!

1. Birds & Birding
2. Butterflies & Insects
3. Gardening
4. Native Plants
5. Outdoor Skills
6. Pollinators
7. Reptiles & Amphibians
8. River Exploration
9. Rocks & Fossils
10. Stargazing

 Join us March 9th during Spring Break to celebrate the launch and learn how you can check one out for your next outdoor adventure!

 Tuesday, March 10th | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
FREE & open to all families

This is a wonderful opportunity for children and families to connect literacy with nature while learning about the wildlife and natural beauty right here in our region. 

 Wednesday, March 11th | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
FREE & open to all families

 Thursday, March 12th | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
FREE & open to all families

 Friday, March 13th | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
FREE & open to all families

ESC-20 – Tales and Tails: A Living Library Experience! The library is going wild with a special story time featuring live animal ambassadors from ESC-20 Learning Alive. Families will read a great book together and get an up-close look at a real animal guest. This hands-on experience connects literacy and science in an unforgettable way — bringing children face-to-face with the wonders of the animal kingdom. 

• Houston-based Herpetologist: Learn about snakes and other critters through live demonstrations and engaging talks.
• Visit Uvalde County: Create your own seed bomb in this hands-on activity! Participants will make small seed balls that can be tossed into gardens or natural spaces to help grow plants that provide food and habitat for birds and other wildlife. 

In addition to our special guests, each day of Spring Break, El Progreso Memorial Library will offer its own hands-on nature and literacy activities, ensuring families have opportunities all week long to explore, create, read, and discover.

 Saturday, March 14th | 10:00 AM 
FREE & open to all families

Join us for Smart & Art Saturday to help close out our spring break event!

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

11-12-25

Sammie Magee, the creator of Sammie’s Toy Drive will be coming to Uvalde this Saturday, November 15th from 2PM to 5PM at El Progreso Memorial Library for the 3rd Annual Sammie’s Toy Drive.

07-30-25

By Michael Robinson |Uvalde Hesperian

The Uvalde Hesperian Uvalde Walmart Market Manager Market 88 George Herrera Wednesday morning following the $250,000 check presentation to El Progreso Memorial Library accepted by Director Tammie Sinclair.

The funds will go toward the library’s planned remodeling project which will begin this fall. Herera said the grant was provided by the Walmart foundation and made possible by the Uvalde Walmart.

Over 20 Walmart managers and associates attending the presentation and summer library reading program event.

Press Release 

Donation to Support Literacy and Celebrate Local Children with a Day of Stories, Magic, and Community Fun

UVALDE, TX – Magic is in the air! Walmart is helping the community wrap up summer on a high note with a $250,000 donation to El Progreso Memorial Library, to be presented during the library’s Summer Reading Program Finale on Wednesday, July 30.

  Families can expect a full day of fun, imagination, and community celebration — from story time and prize drawings to balloon art and a magical performance by ventriloquist Joe Libby. Walmart Store Manager Frank Gonzales and local associates will join in the festivities and lend a helping hand as volunteers.

  The $250,000 donation will support much-needed renovations to El Progreso Memorial Library’s current building and the creation of new, dynamic spaces — including a soundproof recording studio, a dedicated teen room with a makerspace, an updated museum, bookstore, expanded archival and cultural heritage areas, and upgraded security, technology and infrastructure. These improvements will ensure the library remains a vibrant hub of learning, creativity, and community connection for generations to come.

  The grant is part of Walmart’s ongoing commitment to supporting education and literacy in communities across Texas. Elected officials, media, and local leaders are invited to attend and celebrate this milestone moment alongside the children and families of Uvalde.

When:        Wednesday, July 30, 2025

                   Program begins at 10:00 AM

EVENT SCHEDULE:

• 10:00 AM – Grant Presentation & Remarks
• 10:30 AM – Story Time
• 11:30 AM – Summer Reading Prize Drawing
• 12:00 PM – Performance by Ventriloquist & Magician Joe Libby
• 1:00 PM – Face Painting & Balloon Art with Jody & Mariesa